Question

Find a safety data sheet (SDS) for benzene on the Interent. What are the hazards associated with working with benzene? What precautions should be taken?

Answer 1

In section 3 of MSDS of Benzene hazards are listed.

Potential Acute Health Effects:
Benzene is a very hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), and inhalation. Benzene is listed as Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of ingestion. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching.

Chronic health effects:

1. Carcinogenic: Benzene is classified as a class A1 carcinogenic substance. It is confirmed carcinogenic for humans.

2. Mutagenic: Benzene is classified as possible mutagenic substance for human.

3. Toxic : Benzene is identified as a toxic substance in blood, bone marrow, CNS. Substance may be toxic to liver, urinary system. Repeated or prolonged exposure may produce target organs damage.

4. Fire hazard: Substance is listed as highly flammable liquid with flash point -11℃. It is also flammable in presence of sparks, heat and oxidizing materials. It is an explosive in presence of oxidizing agent and sparks. Benzene vapours and chlorine and or other oxidizing agents with light causes explosion.

Precaution: Exhaust ventilation should be there in store room. For personal protection one should always use splash goggels, lab coat, mask, lab boots and gloves to avoid contact with skin, eyes and inhalation.