Benzene

Hazard pictograms

R-phrase(s) Conc. Benzene 71-43-2 200-753-7 F, T R45; R46; 100.00 % R11; R36/38; R48/23/24/2 5; R65

Additional information

Refer to chapter 16 for full text of EC R-phrases. 3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Health Hazards Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Slightly irritating to respiratory system. Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Irritating to skin. Irritating to eyes. Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed. Possibility of organ or organ system damage from prolonged exposure; see Chapter 11 for details. Target organ(s): Blood. Blood-forming organs. Immune system. May cause heritable genetic damage. May cause cancer. May cause leukaemia (AML - acute myelogenous leukaemia). May cause MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). Signs and Symptoms Eye irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blurred vision. Skin irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blisters. If material enters lungs, signs and symptoms may include coughing, choking, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest congestion, shortness of breath, and/or fever. The onset of respiratory symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure. Breathing of high vapour concentrations may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression resulting in dizziness, light-headedness, headache, nausea and loss of coordination. Continued inhalation may result in unconsciousness and death. Damage to blood-forming organs may be evidenced by: a) fatigue and anaemia (RBC), b) decreased resistance to infection, and/or excessive bruising and bleeding (platelet effect). Aggravated Medical Pre-existing medical conditions of the following organ(s) or Condition organ system(s) may be aggravated by exposure to this material: Blood. Blood-forming organs. Eyes. Skin. Cardiovascular system. Immune system. Safety Hazards Highly flammable. This material is a static accumulator. Even with proper grounding and bonding, this material can still accumulate an electrostatic charge. If sufficient charge is allowed to accumulate, electrostatic discharge and ignition of flammable air-vapour mixtures can occur. Environmental Hazards Not classified as dangerous under EC criteria.