Nitrobenzene

Synonyms

Essence of mirbane; Mirbane oil; Nitrobenzeen [Dutch]; Nitrobenzen [Polish]; Nitrobenzene; Nitrobenzol; Oil of mirbane; Oil of myrbane; p-Nitrobenzene; [ChemIDplus] UN1662

Category

Nitros, Aromatic

Description

Yellow, oily liquid with a pungent odor like paste shoe polish. [Note: A solid below 42 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in the organic synthesis of aniline, benzidine, acetaminophen, and cellulose ethers and acetates; Also used in shoe and metal polishes and as a solvent; [ACGIH]

Comments

Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Most cases of nitrobenzene-induced methemoglobinemia are probably mild. Severe methemoglobinemia and liver damage have been reported after occupational exposure. Anemia is the most common finding seen after chronic poisoning. Methemoglobinemia has been produced by inhalation of nitrobenzene at 5 ppm in animals and 6 ppm in humans. There is no evidence that dermal exposure in the industrial environment could induce significant methemoglobinemia. [ACGIH] In high-dose reproductive studies of animals, nitrobenzene causes testicular damage. [Frazier, p. 347] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or end of shift;

Yes

1 ppm

1 ppm

0.1 ppm

200 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: It has been reported that 200 ppm is the maximum concentration that can be inhaled for 1 hour without serious disturbance [Henderson and Haggard 1943].

0.245 mm Hg

0.07 ppm

Odor Threshold High

1.9 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 556 ppm/4 hr

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.37 ppm); Flash point = 88 deg C; VP from HSDB;

Whole body: 2 days; [TDR, p. 942]

Reference Link #2

high ambient temp required

MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Methemoglobinemia, acute

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing