Product Name: Heavy Benzene
Chemical Family: Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Common Synonyms: High-boiling benzene fraction, Benzene concentrate
Chemical Formula: Mixture, typically C6H6-rich
UN Number: UN1114
Recommended Use: Solvent, chemical intermediate, fuel component
Manufacturer Information: Major petrochemical manufacturers
Emergency Contacts: Chemtrec, Local fire department, Poison control center
Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Carcinogenic (Category 1A), Acute toxicity (Category 4), Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure - Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, May cause cancer, Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, Causes skin and eye irritation, May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed in large quantities
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames; Avoid contact with skin and eyes; Minimize inhalation exposure; Use explosion-proof equipment; Store in tightly closed containers; Wear protective clothing and respirators when needed
Benzene: 80-97% (CAS No. 71-43-2)
Toluene: up to 7% (CAS No. 108-88-3)
Xylenes (isomers): up to 2% (CAS No. 1330-20-7)
Cumene: up to 1% (CAS No. 98-82-8)
Naphthalene: trace amounts (CAS No. 91-20-3)
Impurities: C7-C9 aromatic hydrocarbons
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air immediately, keep airways clear, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, call physician if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin with soap and water for at least 20 minutes, seek immediate medical attention if irritation or blistering occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully under flowing potable water for at least 20 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally, obtain prompt medical care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek medical attention at once, monitor for signs of respiratory distress or reduced consciousness
Important Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, skin reddening, respiratory irritation, potential CNS depression
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray for cooling adjacent containers
Special Hazards: Vapor/air mixtures can ignite explosively, releases toxic gases (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unburnt hydrocarbons), dense black smoke expected
Protective Equipment: Full turnout gear, positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Firefighting Instructions: Remove unaffected containers from vicinity, use water spray to keep vessels cool, avoid entering confined areas without proper protection, fight fire from upwind position, dike runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Personal Precautions: Remove ignition sources, evacuate personnel, provide adequate ventilation, use non-sparking tools, wear gloves, goggles, flame-resistant suits, respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering soil, drains, surface waters, sewers; report to authorities if spill threatens environment
Cleanup Procedures: Contain liquid using sand, earth, or inert material, collect into suitable containers for disposal, ventilate area thoroughly, wash contaminated surfaces with detergent and water, dispose of waste following regulations
Decontamination: Avoid spreading by using non-combustible absorbents and appropriate containment
Safe Handling: Use only with explosion-proof equipment, ground and bond containers, avoid inhaling vapors or contact with skin and eyes, prevent static buildup by proper grounding, avoid smoking and use of open flames in the vicinity
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place, store out of direct sunlight, keep away from oxidizers, acids, and heat sources, label containers clearly, install spill containment where required
Specific Conditions: Use corrosion-resistant or lined containers, monitor regularly for vapor accumulation, avoid confined spaces unless trained and equipped for safe entry
Occupational Exposure Limits: Benzene - OSHA PEL 1 ppm (TWA), ACGIH TLV 0.5 ppm (TWA); Toluene - OSHA PEL 200 ppm, ACGIH TLV 20 ppm; Xylene - OSHA PEL 100 ppm
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof electrical systems, monitor airborne concentrations regularly
Personal Protection: NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirators, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical safety goggles, full face shields, flame-resistant coveralls, antistatic footwear
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly before breaks and at shift end, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Aromatic, sweet
Boiling Range: 80–160°C (combination of aromatics)
Flash Point: < 0°C (closed cup, varies by blend)
Vapor Pressure: 10–90 mmHg at 20°C
Relative Density: Approximately 0.88 g/cm³
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Autoignition Temperature: 498°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): 2–3.5 (benzene component)
Chemical Stability: Stable when stored and handled as recommended
Reactivity: Contact with strong oxidizers (hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid) may cause fire or explosion,
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, unburned hydrocarbons
Polymerization: Polymerization not likely under normal handling
Other: Avoid exposing product to strong acids, bases, and high temperatures
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Acutely Toxic Effects: CNS depression, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea
Chronic Health Effects: Leukemia and other blood disorders (long-term exposure), possible reproductive toxicity, damage to liver and kidneys
Acute LD50 (oral, rat): 930 mg/kg (benzene component)
Carcinogenicity: Classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, EPA
Additional Effects: Sensitization rare, but skin defatting and dermatitis likely with repeated contact, potential aspiration risk during ingestion
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to fish and other aquatic life (LC50 for fish: 5-10 mg/L 96 h)
Movement in Environment: Volatilizes readily into air, moderate to high mobility in soil, rapid photochemical degradation
Persistence and Degradability: Component benzene degrades in air within days but persists in groundwater
Bioaccumulation: Limited but measurable for certain components; benzene BCF estimated at 10-20
Hazards: Long-term effects possible in water environments near chronic sources of contamination, not suitable for release to sewers or soil
Disposal of Product: Incineration in approved, licensed facilities with appropriate controls for air emissions
Disposal of Containers: Empty containers may contain hazardous residues, treat as hazardous waste, puncture and triple-rinse before scrap, send to licensed reconditioner
Regulatory Approvals: Follow all local, state, and federal regulations for disposal
Precautions: Never dispose of in drains, ground or open environment, keep product and rinsates out of watercourses, ensure waste transporters are licensed
UN Number: UN1114
Proper Shipping Name: Benzene or Benzene Mixture
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid, health hazard; marine pollutant marking where applicable
Transportation Notes: Keep containers upright and tightly closed during transport, avoid excessive heat or agitation, segregation from acids and oxidants, inspect shipments for leaks or damage before unloading
OSHA: Covered by Hazard Communication Standard, benzene-specific standard (29 CFR 1910.1028)
EPA: Listed as a hazardous air pollutant and hazardous waste (F005, U019); subject to CERCLA and SARA Title III reporting
DOT: Flammable liquid, subject to container and shipping requirements outlined in 49 CFR
IARC/NTP: Benzene recognized carcinogen, strict occupational controls apply
Other: Product subject to registration, reporting, and safety documentation under local and national chemical management acts