Common Name:    Nitrobenzene CAS Number:     98-95-3

 DOT Number:     UN 1662

 Date:           January 31, 1986

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 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

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 NJ DOH Hazard rating

 FLAMMABILITY                        2

 REACTIVITY                          0

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 POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE

 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE

 POISON

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 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.

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 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

 ------------------------------------------

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 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.