ETHYLBENZENE (ICSC)

ETHYLBENZENE	ICSC: 0268

Date of Peer Review: November 2007

Ethylbenzol
Phenylethane
EB

CAS #	100-41-4	C₈H₁₀/C₆H₅C₂H₅
RTECS #	DA0700000	Molecular mass: 106.2
UN #	1175
EC Annex 1 Index #	601-023-00-4
EC/EINECS #	202-849-4

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Dry powder. Foam. Carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Burning sensation in the throat and chest. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-305 1135 or 30GF1- I+II
NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ETHYLBENZENE

ICSC: 0268

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH AROMATIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts with strong oxidants. Attacks plastic and rubber.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 100 ppm as TWA, 125 ppm as STEL; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); BEI issued, (ACGIH 2007).
EU OEL: 442 mg/mł 100 ppm as TWA 884 mg/mł 200 ppm as STEL (skin) (EU 2006).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. The substance may have effects on the kidneys and liver , resulting in impaired functions Repeated contact with skin may cause dryness and cracking.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 136°C
Melting point: -95°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.015
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 0.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.7

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.02
Flash point: 18°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 432°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.0-6.7
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.1
Viscosity, mm˛/s at 25 °C: 0.6

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised that this substance does not enter the environment.

NOTES

The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Card has been partially updated in March 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits, Physical Properties.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 2005

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Ethylbenzene (EHC 186, 1996)
       Ethylbenzene  (SIDS)
       Ethylbenzene  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 77, 2000)