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EC number: 295-443-1 | CAS number: 92045-61-9 A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by distillation from the product of a naphtha steam cracking process and subsequent catalytic selective hydrogenation of gum formers. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C4 through C12 and boiling in the range of approximately 30°C to 230°C (86°F to 446°F).
- Life Cycle description
- Uses advised against
- Endpoint summary
- Appearance / physical state / colour
- Melting point / freezing point
- Boiling point
- Density
- Particle size distribution (Granulometry)
- Vapour pressure
- Partition coefficient
- Water solubility
- Solubility in organic solvents / fat solubility
- Surface tension
- Flash point
- Auto flammability
- Flammability
- Explosiveness
- Oxidising properties
- Oxidation reduction potential
- Stability in organic solvents and identity of relevant degradation products
- Storage stability and reactivity towards container material
- Stability: thermal, sunlight, metals
- pH
- Dissociation constant
- Viscosity
- Additional physico-chemical information
- Additional physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials
- Nanomaterial agglomeration / aggregation
- Nanomaterial crystalline phase
- Nanomaterial crystallite and grain size
- Nanomaterial aspect ratio / shape
- Nanomaterial specific surface area
- Nanomaterial Zeta potential
- Nanomaterial surface chemistry
- Nanomaterial dustiness
- Nanomaterial porosity
- Nanomaterial pour density
- Nanomaterial photocatalytic activity
- Nanomaterial radical formation potential
- Nanomaterial catalytic activity
- Endpoint summary
- Stability
- Biodegradation
- Bioaccumulation
- Transport and distribution
- Environmental data
- Additional information on environmental fate and behaviour
- Ecotoxicological Summary
- Aquatic toxicity
- Endpoint summary
- Short-term toxicity to fish
- Long-term toxicity to fish
- Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria
- Toxicity to aquatic plants other than algae
- Toxicity to microorganisms
- Endocrine disrupter testing in aquatic vertebrates – in vivo
- Toxicity to other aquatic organisms
- Sediment toxicity
- Terrestrial toxicity
- Biological effects monitoring
- Biotransformation and kinetics
- Additional ecotoxological information
- Toxicological Summary
- Toxicokinetics, metabolism and distribution
- Acute Toxicity
- Irritation / corrosion
- Sensitisation
- Repeated dose toxicity
- Genetic toxicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Toxicity to reproduction
- Specific investigations
- Exposure related observations in humans
- Toxic effects on livestock and pets
- Additional toxicological data
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
In studies in rabbits benzene is irritating to the skin and eye but is not considered to be corrosive. In humans high concentrations of benzene vapours are irritating to
the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Liquid benzene on direct contact with the skin may cause erythema and defatting.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Skin irritation / corrosion
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- adverse effect observed (irritating)
Eye irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- adverse effect observed (irritating)
Respiratory irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Additional information
Non-human information
Skin irritation
The irritation potential of benzene was assessed on the skins of six shaved rabbits exposed to neat benzene for 4 hours, using an exposure chamber of 6 cm2 (Jacobs. 1991). One hour after exposure oedema grade 2 and erythema grade 1 were documented. No oedema, but mean scores of 2.0/2.2/2.4 for erythema were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the end of exposure. Erythema increased to a mean of grade 3 at 6 days. A second study (Wolf et al, 1956) examined skin irritation potential of benzene following repeated applications. Undiluted benzene was applied 10 -20 times over 2-4 weeks to the ear and shaved abdomen of white rabbits (abdomen bandaged). Perceptible to definite erythema, oedema and superficial necrosis were documented. These effects resulted in a "chapped" appearance and exfoliation of large patches of skin. Although the design and reporting are not compliant with regulatory guidelines the results are consistent with benzene being irritating to rabbit skin.
Eye irritation
The key study is considered to be Wolf et al (1956). Instillation of benzene into the rabbit eye caused moderate conjunctival irritation and very slight, transient corneal injury.
Human information
Skin irritation
Liquid benzene on direct contact with the skin may cause erythema and blistering. Skin contact with benzene removes fat from the tissue which may result in the development of a dry, scaly dermatitis if exposure is repeated or prolonged.
Eye irritation
High concentrations of benzene vapours are irritating to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract (EU RAR, 2008).
Justification for selection of skin
irritation / corrosion endpoint:
Liquid benzene is irritating to rabbit skin, and removes fat from
the tissue which may result in the development of a dry, scaly
dermatitis if exposure is repeated or prolonged.
Justification for selection of eye irritation endpoint:
Liquid benzene is irritating to rabbit eye, causing moderate
conjunctival irritation and very slight, transient corneal injury.
Effects on skin irritation/corrosion: irritating
Effects on eye irritation: irritating
Justification for classification or non-classification
It is concluded that benzene is irritating to rabbit skin and should be classified as Category 2, H315, under CLP.
Benzene is irritating to rabbit eyes and should be classified Category 2, H319, under CLP.
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