Common Name: Nitrobenzene CAS Number: 98-95-3 DOT Number: UN 1662 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Nitrobenzene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure may affect your vision. * High or repeated exposure can damage the liver. * Exposure can lower the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia), causing headaches, loss of balance, weakness, trouble breathing, bluish color to lips and ears, collapse, and even death. * Contact can irritate the skin or eyes and may cause a skin allergy. IDENTIFICATION Nitrobenzene is a pale yellow to dark brown oily liquid or green to yellow crystals which smell like bitter almonds or shoe polish, used to make explosives, dyes, shoe and floor polishes and paint. REASON FOR CITATION * Nitrobenzene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by DOT, ACGIH and NFPA. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = less than 0.018 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Nitrobenzene and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Nitrobenzene to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Nitrobenzene: * Exposure can lower the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia). At first, the only symptoms may be headaches or an exaggerated sense of well being (a "high"). With further exposure, symptoms include lightheadedness, loss of balance, weakness, trouble breathing, a bluish color to the lips and ears, collapse, and death. * Contact can irritate the skin or eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Nitrobenzene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Nitrobenzene has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that Nitrobenzene may damage the developing fetus and may damage the testes (male reproductive glands). Other Long Term Effects * Methemoglobinemia can occur gradually over weeks instead of all at once. * Repeated exposure can cause liver damage. * Exposure may affect your vision (acuity and contraction of fields). * Nitrobenzene can damage the blood forming organs leading to abnormal blood cell count. * Nitrobenzene may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Complete blood count. * Methemoglobin level. * Liver function tests. * Urine p Nitrophenol levels. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace, and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Nitrobenzene from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Nitrobenzene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Nitrobenzene. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Nitrobenzene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Nitrobenzene, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Nitrobenzene is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * Avoid skin contact with Nitrobenzene. Wear solvent resistant gloves and clothing. Clothing made of supported Viton, and Polyvinyl Alcohol is recommended. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 1 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 200 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 200 ppm exists, use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Nitrobenzene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Nitrobenzene must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC) CAUSTIC NITROGEN TETROXIDE or SILVER PERCHLORATE since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Nitrobenzene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Nitrobenzene. Common Name: Nitrobenzene DOT Number: UN 1662 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 98-95-3 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE POISON ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Nitrobenzene is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Nitrobenzene is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep Nitrobenzene out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Nitrobenzene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area, including hair and nails, with large amounts of soap and water. Discard contaminated clothes and shoes. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: Less than 1 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 190oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Benzene, Nitro Other Names and Formulations: Nitrobenzol; Oil of Mirbane; Essence of Myrbane. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Nitrobenzene is used mostly as a feedstock to make other organic chemicals, with aniline as the major product. Nitrobenzene is also used as a solvent, metal polish, shoe black, perfume, dye intermediate, and combustible propellant. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges. ACUTE (SHORT TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Nitrobenzene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Nitrobenzene to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Nitrobenzene has low chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Nitrobenzene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Nitrobenzene is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of less than 1 milligram will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Nitrobenzene is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 54.3% of Nitrobenzene will eventually end up in water; about 45% will end up in air; and about 0.3%, respectively, will end up in terrestrial soils and aquatic sediments. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of Nitrobenzene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of Nitrobenzene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL, Duluth, U.S.EPA, Phytotox.