Ethyl benzene

Agent Name
Ethyl benzene
CAS Number
100-41-4
Formula
C8-H10
Major Category
Solvents
Ethyl benzene formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Ethylbenzene; Ethylbenzol; Phenylethane; Ethylbenzol; [ChemIDplus] UN1175
Category
Aromatic Solvents
Description
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a solvent and an intermediate in the production of styrene (90%) and other organic chemicals; The general population may be exposed after contact with gasoline, automobile emissions, domestic products containing solvents, and cigarette smoke. [ACGIH] Used as a solvent for resins and coatings; [HSDB]
Comments
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Mild irritation but no corneal injury after instillation of 2 drops into rabbit eye; Rats with inhalation exposure to 400 ppm (but not 300 ppm) eight hours per day for five days had increased auditory thresholds and loss of cochlear hair cells; Mild liver toxicity observed in animal inhalation studies; Causes CNS depression in lethal concentration studies; When exposed at 1000 ppm, humans have profuse lacrimation. 2021 ACGIH Basis: irritation of upper respiratory tract, eye irritation, ototoxicity, kidney effects and CNS impairment; [ACGIH]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Sum of Mandelic and Phenylglyoxylic acids in urine = 150 mg/g creatinine at end of shift; Ns (Nonspecific determinants--also present after exposure to styrene;) [TLVs and BEIs]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
No
TLV (ACGIH)
20 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
100 ppm
MAK
20 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
800 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: Dizziness was caused in one volunteer after a 5­minute exposure to 2,000 ppm [Yant et al. 1930].
Vapor Pressure
9.6 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.09 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.6 ppm
RD50
1430 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 4,000 ppm/4H
Explanatory Notes
IDLH = 10% LEL (lower explosive limit); Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = 12.8 deg C; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
Whole body: biphasic with initial of 3.1 hours and slower phase of 25 hours; [TDR, p. 631]
Reference Link #2
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp

Adverse Effects

Lachrymator
Yes
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: