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Material Safety Data Sheet

Benzene
ACC# 02610
Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Benzene

Catalog Numbers: AC167660000, AC167660010, AC167660025, AC167660250, AC167665000,
AC168650250, AC295330000, AC295330010, AC295330025, AC295330250, AC296880000,
AC296880010, AC296880025, AC296880250, AC610230010, AC610231000, AC611001000, B243-4,
B245-4, B245-500, B411-1, B411-4, B412-1, S79920ACS
Synonyms: Benzol; Cyclohexatriene; Phenyl hydride.
Company Identification:
Fisher Scientific
1 Reagent Lane
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For information, call: 201-796-7100
Emergency Number: 201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call: 703-527-3887

Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS

71-43-2 Benzene > 99 200-753-7

Section 3 - Hazards Identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Appearance: clear colorless liquid. Flash Point: -11 deg C.

Danger! Extremely flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. Harmful if swallowed,
inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Contains benzene.
Benzene can cause cancer. Aspiration hazard if swallowed. Can enter lungs and cause damage. May cause
blood abnormalities. May cause central nervous system effects.
Target Organs: Blood, central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes, bone marrow, immune system,
skin.

Potential Health Effects

Eye: Causes eye irritation.
Skin: Causes skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin. Prolonged and/or repeated contact may
cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis.
Ingestion: May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by

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headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness,
coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation
exposure. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.
Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, and central
nervous system depression. Exposure may lead to irreversible bone marrow injury. Exposure may lead to
aplastic anemia. Potential symptoms of overexposure by inhalation are dizziness, headache, vomiting,
visual disturbances, staggering gait, hilarity, fatigue, and other symptoms of CNS depression.
Chronic: May cause bone marrow abnormalities with damage to blood forming tissues. May cause anemia
and other blood cell abnormalities. Chronic exposure to benzene has been associated with an increased
incidence of leukemia and multiple myeloma (tumor composed of cells of the type normally found in the
bone marrow). Immunodepressive effects have been reported. This substance has caused adverse
reproductive and fetal effects in laboratory animals.

Section 4 - First Aid Measures

Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for a t least 15 minutes. Get medical
aid.
Skin: In case of contact, flush skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get
medical aid if irritation develops and persists. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion: Potential for aspiration if swallowed. Get medical aid immediately. Do not induce vomiting
unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If
vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures

General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand,

MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed
containers cool. Extremely flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. Approach fire from
upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Vapors are heavier than air and may
travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or
confined areas. This liquid floats on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire. May
accumulate static electricity.
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Flash Point: -11 deg C ( 12.20 deg F)
Autoignition Temperature: 498 deg C ( 928.40 deg F)
Explosion Limits, Lower:1.3 vol %
Upper: 7.1 vol %
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 2; Flammability: 3; Instability: 0

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures

General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.

Spills/Leaks: Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then place in suitable

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container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Remove all sources of
ignition. Provide ventilation. Approach spill from upwind. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors,
protect personnel, and dilute spills to form nonflammable mixtures.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage

Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground
and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty
containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Take precautionary
measures against static discharges. Keep container tightly closed. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze,
solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Use only with adequate
ventilation. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Avoid breathing vapor.
Storage: Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact with
oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to
control airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment.
Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
See 29CFR 1910.1028 for the regulatory requirements for the control of employee exposure to benzene.
Exposure Limits
Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs
1 ppm TWA; 10 ppm TWA
(applies to industry
segments exempt from the
benzene stan dard at 29
CFR 1910.1028); 25 ppm
0.5 ppm TWA; 2.5 ppm
Ceiling (applies to industry
STEL; Skin - potential
0.1 ppm TWA 500 ppm segments exempt from the
Benzene significant contribution to
IDLH 1 ppm TWA and 5 ppm
overall exposure by the
STEL of th e benzene
cutaneous r oute
standard); 0.5 ppm Action
Level; 1 ppm TWA; 5 ppm
STEL (Cancer hazard,
Flammable - see 29 C FR
1910.1028)

OSHA Vacated PELs: Benzene: 10 ppm TWA (unless specified in 1910.1028)

Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2
requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant
respirator use.

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Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid

Appearance: clear colorless
Odor: sweetish odor - aromatic odor
pH: Not applicable.
Vapor Pressure: 75 mm Hg @ 20 deg C
Vapor Density: 2.8 (air=1)
Evaporation Rate:Not available.
Viscosity: 0.647mPa @ 20 deg C
Boiling Point: 80.1 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point:5.5 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: 0.180 g/100 ml @ 25°C
Specific Gravity/Density:0.8765 @ 20°C
Molecular Formula:C6H6
Molecular Weight:78.11

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Conditions to Avoid: Ignition sources, excess heat, confined spaces.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Has not been reported.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information

RTECS#:
CAS# 71-43-2: CY1400000
LD50/LC50:
CAS# 71-43-2:
Dermal, guinea pig: LD50 = >9400 uL/kg;
Draize test, rabbit, eye: 88 mg Moderate;
Draize test, rabbit, eye: 2 mg/24H Severe;
Draize test, rabbit, skin: 20 mg/24H Moderate;
Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 9980 ppm;
Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 24 mL/kg/2H;
Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 10000 ppm/7H;
Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 34 mL/kg/2H;
Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 6.5 mL/kg/4H;
Oral, mouse: LD50 = 4700 mg/kg;
Oral, rat: LD50 = 930 mg/kg;
Oral, rat: LD50 = 1 mL/kg;
Oral, rat: LD50 = 1800 Benzene is considered very toxic; probable human oral lethal dose would be
50-500 mg/kg. Human inhalation of approximately 20,000 ppm (2% in air) was fatal in 5-10

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minutes.While percutaneous absorption of liquid benzene through intact human skin can be limited (e.g.,
0.05% of the applied dose), the absorbed dose via direct dermal contact combined with that received from
body surface exposure to benzene in workplace air is such that a substantial fraction (20-40%) of the total
exposure is due to skin absorption.
Carcinogenicity:
CAS# 71-43-2:

ACGIH: A1 - Confirmed Human Carcinogen

California: carcinogen, initial date 2/27/87
NTP: Known carcinogen
IARC: Group 1 carcinogen

Epidemiology: IARC has concluded that epidemiological studies have established the relationship
between benzene exposure and the development of acute myelogenous leukemia, and that there is
sufficient evidence that benzene is carcinogenic to humans.
Teratogenicity: Inhalation, rat: TCLO = 50 ppm/24H (female 7-14 day(s) after conception) Effects on
Embryo or Fetus - extra-embryonic structures (e.g., placenta, umbilical cord) and Effects on Embryo or
Fetus - fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus).; Inhalation,mouse: TCLo = 5 ppm (female 6-15
day(s) after conception) Effects on Embryo or Fetus - cytological changes (including somatic cell genetic
material) and Specific Developmental Abnormalities - blood and lymphatic systems (including spleen and
marrow).
Reproductive Effects: Inhalation, rat: TCLO = 670 mg/m3/24H (female 15 day(s) pre-mating and
female 1-22 day(s) after conception) female fertility index (e.g. # females pregnant per # sperm positive
females; # females pregnant per # females mated).; Oral, mouse: TDLo = 12 gm/kg (female 6-15 day(s)
after conception) Fertility - post-implantation mortality (e.g. dead and/or resorbed implants per total
number of implants).
Mutagenicity: DNA Inhibition: Human, Leukocyte = 2200 umol/L.; DNA Inhibition: Human, HeLa cell =
2200 umol/L.; Mutation Test Systems - not otherwise specified: Human, Lymphocyte = 5 umol/L.;
Cytogenetic Analysis: Inhalation, Human = 125 ppm/1Y.; Cytogenetic Analysis: Human, Leukocyte = 1
mmol/L/72H.; Cytogenetic Analysis: Human, Lymphocyte = 1 mg/L.
Neurotoxicity: See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.
Other Studies:

Section 12 - Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Fish: Mosquito Fish: TLm = 395 mg/L; 24 Hr; UnspecifiedFish: Goldfish: LC50 =46 mg/L; 24
Hr; Modified ASTM D 1345Fish: Fathead Minnow: LC50 = 15.1 mg/L; 96 Hr; Flow-through at 25°C (pH
7.9-8.0)Fish: Rainbow trout: LC50 = 5.3 mg/L; 96 Hr; Flow-through at 25°C (pH 7.9-8.0)Fish:
Bluegill/Sunfish: LD50 = 20 mg/L; 24-48 Hr; Unspecified If benzene is released to soil, it will be subject to
rapid volatilization near the surface and that which does not evaporate will be highly to very highly mobile
in the soil and may leach to groundwater. If benzene is released to water, it will be subject to rapid
volatilization. It will not be expected to significantly adsorb to sediment, bioconcentrate in aquatic
organisms or hydrolyze. It may be subject to biodegradation.
Environmental: If benzene is released to the atmosphere, it will exist predominantly in the vapor phase.
Gas-phase benzene will not be subject to direct photolysis but it will react with photochemically produced
hydroxyl radicals with a half-life of 13.4 days. The reaction time in polluted atmospheres which contain
nitrogen oxides or sulfur dioxide is accelerated with the half-life being reported as 4-6 hours. Benzene is
fairly soluble in water and is removed from the atmosphere in rain.
Physical: Products of photooxidation include phenol, nitrophenols, nitrobenzene, formic acid, and
peroxyacetyl nitrate.

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Other: No information available.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous
waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally,
waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and
accurate classification.
RCRA P-Series: None listed.
RCRA U-Series:
CAS# 71-43-2: waste number U019 (Ignitable waste, Toxic waste).

Section 14 - Transport Information

US DOT Canada TDG

Shipping Name: BENZENE BENZENE
Hazard Class: 3 3
UN Number: UN1114 UN1114
Packing Group: II II
Additional Info: FLASHPOINT -11 C

Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL

TSCA
CAS# 71-43-2 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
Health & Safety Reporting List
None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List.
Chemical Test Rules
None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule.
Section 12b
None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.
TSCA Significant New Use Rule
None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.
CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs
CAS# 71-43-2: 10 lb final RQ (received an adjusted RQ of 10 lbs based on potential carcinogeni
SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances
None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.
SARA Codes
CAS # 71-43-2: immediate, delayed, fire.
Section 313
This material contains Benzene (CAS# 71-43-2, > 99%),which is subject to the reporting requirements
of Section 313 of SARA Title III and 40 CFR Part 373.
Clean Air Act:
CAS# 71-43-2 is listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP).

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This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors.

This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.
Clean Water Act:
CAS# 71-43-2 is listed as a Hazardous Substance under the CWA. CAS# 71-43-2 is listed as a Priority
Pollutant under the Clean Water Act. CAS# 71-43-2 is listed as a Toxic Pollutant under the Clean Water
Act.
OSHA:
None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA.
STATE
CAS# 71-43-2 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts.

California Prop 65
The following statement(s) is(are) made in order to comply with the California Safe Drinking
Water Act:
WARNING: This product contains Benzene, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.
WARNING: This product contains Benzene, a chemical known to the state of California to cause male
reproductive toxicity.
California No Significant Risk Level: CAS# 71-43-2: 6.4 æg/day NSRL (oral); 13 æg/day NSRL (inhalation)

European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols:
TF
Risk Phrases:
R 11 Highly flammable.
R 36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.
R 45 May cause cancer.
R 46 May cause heritable genetic damage.
R 48/23/24/25 Toxic : danger of serious damage to health by
prolonged exposure through inhalation, contact with skin and if
swallowed.
R 65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.

Safety Phrases:
S 45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately (show the label where possible).
S 53 Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use.

WGK (Water Danger/Protection)

CAS# 71-43-2: 3
Canada - DSL/NDSL
CAS# 71-43-2 is listed on Canada's DSL List.
Canada - WHMIS
This product has a WHMIS classification of B2, D2A, D2B.
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products
Regulations and the MSDS contains all of the information required by those regulations.
Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List
CAS# 71-43-2 is listed on the Canadian Ingredient Disclosure List.

Section 16 - Additional Information

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MSDS Creation Date: 6/11/1999

Revision #8 Date: 9/11/2008
The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no
warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability
resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular
purposes. In no event shall Fisher be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect,
incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Fisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

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