Benzene skin toxicity

The importance of MP can be related to the physical state of the substance under the conditions of Draize test. In this study, it was assumed that chemicals with a MP less than or equal to 37°C would exist as liquids in the test procedure and that, in general, liquids would be more likely than solids to cause corrosion and irritation. The results confirm that there is indeed a relationship between physical state and the potential for acute skin toxicity. The fact that some solids are corrosive or irritant may relate to the fact that their MPs are not much higher than 37°C and that they exist as wax-like substances, which are more capable of penetrating into the skin than are solids with higher MPs. For example, carvacrol, and thymol, which are both irritant and corrosive, have predicted MPs of 38°C and 38.1°C, respectively. In the case of other solids, such as benzene sulfonyl chloride (MP = 61°C), the corrosive response may be due to a more toxic derivative (e.g., benzene sulfonic acid). 

Properties Wh. translucent partially cryst./partially amorphous plastic solid, odorless sol. in hot benzene insol. in water m.w. 1500-100,000 dens. 0.92 (20/4 C) m.p. 85-110 C Toxicology LC50 (inh., mouse, SOM) 12 g/m TDLo (implant, rat) 33 mg/kg no known skin toxicity ing. of Ig. oral doses has produced kidney and liver damage suspected carcinogen and tumorigen by implants TSCA listed Precaution Combustible reacts violently with F2 Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp.,... 

Solomon LM, Fahrner L, West DP (1977) Gamma benzene hexachloride toxicity a review. Arch Dermatol 113 353-357 Spencer PS, Bischoff MC (1987) Skin as an entry for neurotoxic substances. In Marzulli FN, Maibach HI (eds) Dermatotox-icology. Hemisphere, New York, pp 625-640 Stanley BE, Frank JE (1971) Mercury poisoning from application to omphalocele. JAMA 216 2144-2145 Steele CE, Trasler DG, New DA (1983) An in vivo/in vitro evaluation of the teratogenic action of excess vitamin A. Teratology 28 209-214... 

Caution Ultraviolet light is extremely dangerous to the eyes and also harmful to the skin. The apparatus should be situated in a fume hood with aluminium foil wrapped around it (this additionally serves as a light reflector). Flexible tubing for cooling water should be wired on and a suitable cut-out device for the lamp incorporated into the circuit. Disposable vinyl or latex gloves and safety glasses should be worn. Benzene is toxic contact with the liquid should be avoided. 

Aromatic Hydrocarbons. These are the most toxic of the hydrocarbons and inhalation of the vapor can cause acute intoxication. Benzene is particularly toxic and long-term exposure can cause anemia and leukopenia, even with concentrations too low for detection by odor or simple instmments. The currendy acceptable average vapor concentration for benzene is no more than 1 ppm. PolycycHc aromatics are not sufftcientiy volatile to present a threat by inhalation (except from pyrolysis of tobacco), but it is known that certain industrial products, such as coal tar, are rich in polycycHc aromatics and continued exposure of human skin to these products results in cancer. 

Inhalation of 3,000 ppm benzene can be tolerated for 0.5—1 h 7,500 ppm causes toxic effects in 0.5—1 h and 20,000 ppm is fatal in 5—10 min (123). The lethal oral dose for an adult is approximately 15 mL (124). Repeated skin contact is reported to cause drying, defatting, dermatitis, and the risk of secondary infection if fissuring occurs. 

In general, all of the chlorobenzenes are less toxic than benzene. Liquid chlorobenzenes produce mild to moderate irritation upon skin contact. Continued contact may cause roughness or a mild bum. SoHds cause only mild irritation. Absorption through the skin is slow. Consequently, with short-time exposure over a limited area, no significant quantities enter the body. 

Benzene is a flammable liquid and its vapors are toxic and explosive. Low concentrations are dangerous on continued inhalation because benzene affects the blood forming function of the bone marrow and it is a cancirogen. Dermatitis may result from repeated skin contact. Alkyl derivatives such as toluene and xylenes are far less toxic and are, therefore, much safer than benzene for use in solvents. Some of the symptoms of benzene poisoning are dizziness, constriction of the chest, and tightening of the leg muscles. 

The e. posure route partly determines the distribution of the chemical in die body. Like tlie chemical benzene, a single chemical may follow multiple routes of e. posure. The liver, like the skin, acts as a filter. The liver is the primary dcto.xification site. To.xicants that arc absorbed into the lungs, skin, mouth, and esophagus may temporarily bypass the liver however, toxicants absorbed tluougli the stomach and intestines follow the blood s direct path to tlie liver. 

NHi and benzene, and somewhat less soluble in numerous other organic solvents. The -form can be maintained as a solid up to 64.4°C under a pressure of 11 600 atm, whereas the or-form melts at 44.1°C. White phosphorus is highly toxic and ingestion, inhalation or even contact with skin must be avoided the fatal dose when taken internally is about 50mg. 

Phloroglucinol (1,3,5-Trihydroxy benzene, 1,3,5-Trioxy-benzol in Ger). C6H3(OH)3,mw 126.11, white to yellowish crysts mp 200—209° when heated slowly 212—217° when heated rapidly bp, sublimes with decompn. SI sol in w, sol in ale and eth. Combustible. Can be prepd by fusion of resorcinol with caustic soda, or by reduction of trinitrobenzene. It is highly toxic. by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption, and is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes Refs 1) Beil 6,1092, (545) [1075]... 

Environment and health-related problems are especially determined by health risks due to solvents, which result in damage to skin and the central nervons system (polyneuropathy, encephalopathy) in the case of chronic exposure. Some solvents are also classified as being carcinogenic (e.g. benzene, trichloroethylene) or are suspected of being carcinogenic (e.g. perchloroethylene) or reproduction-toxic (e.g. toluene). 

Direct contact with the liquid may cause erythema and vesiculation prolonged or repeated contact has been associated with the development of a dry, scaly dermatitis or with secondary infections. Some skin absorption can occur with lengthy exposure to solvents containing benzene and may contribute more to toxicity than originally believed, but the dermal route is considered only a minor source of exposure for the general population. ... 

Dibydroxybenzene, Resorcinol or 1,3-Ben-zenediol (called 1.3-Dioxy-benzol or Resorcin in Ger), white orthorhombic crysts (from water, ale or acet), mp 110.7°, bp 281° d 1.2717 flash point (open cup) 339° F sol in w, ale, ether, glycerol, benzene and amyl ale si sol in chlf less toxic than the 1,2-deriv but con-tact with skin sp.d ip.hslsticn of dust should... 

Xylene, although toxic, is less dangerous than toluene or benzene. However, it is more irratating to the skin than is benzene... 

Toxic solvents, such as methyl alcohol, benzene, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, can penetrate the skin through cuts and abrasions. On contact, these solvents cause chronic dermatitis and allergic skin reactions in susceptible individuals. 

The organic liquids in Table 1 include ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is a common solvent and chemical reagent. During normal exposure in the laboratory such a small amount of ethanol is inhaled or absorbed through the skin that it would correspond to only a miniscule taste of the liquid. However, denaturants in "lab alcohol" can modify its toxicity. Denatured alcohol often contains about 5% of an additive such as benzene or methanol. Of the twenty lab manuals examined, eighteen use ethanol. The other two specified methanol instead. In general, methanol is considerably more toxic than ethanol. 

Note Moderately polar, weakly hydrogen bonding solvent, heavy liquid gradually decomposes to acquire a yellow color, air and light will accelerate this decomposition nonflammable commercial product is often stabilized by the addition of 3 to 4% (mass/mass) alcohols highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption soluble in alcohols, organohalogen compounds, hydrocarbons, benzene, and many oils incompatible with many alkali and alkaline earth metals. Synonyms tribromomethane. 

Note Nonpolar solvent soluble in alcohols, ethers, chloroform, benzene, and most fixed and volatile oils insoluble in water nonflammable extremely toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption carcinogenic incompatible with allyl alcohol, silanes, triethyldialuminum, and many metals (e.g., sodium). Synonyms tetrachloromethane, perchloromethane, methane tetrachloride, Halon-104. 

Note Polar solvent soluble in alcohols, ether, benzene, and most oils usually stabilized with methanol to prevent phosgene formation flammable and highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption narcotic carcinogenic incompatible with caustics, active metals, aluminum powder, potassium, sodium, magnesium. Synonyms trichloromethane, methane trichloride. 

Note Nonpolar hydrocarbon solvent mild, gasoline-like odor soluble in hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic halides, acetone, benzene flammable moderately toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, may be narcotic at high concentrations reacts with oxygen (air) at elevated temperatures decomposes upon heating incompatible with strong oxidants. Synonyms benzene hexahydride, hexameth-ylene, hexanaphthene, hexahydrobenzene. 

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