Agent Name |
Chlorobenzene |
Alternative Name |
Monochlorobenzene |
CAS Number |
108-90-7 |
Formula |
C6-H5-Cl |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
Benzene chloride; Chlorobenzol; MCB; Phenyl chloride; Monochlorobenzene; [NIOSH] UN1134 |
Category |
Chlorinated Aromatic |
Description |
Colorless liquid with an almond-like odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent for paints, adhesives, polishes, waxes, and natural rubber; used as a dry cleaning agent and an intermediate in the synthesis of organic chemicals; [NIOSH Guidelines for Chemical Hazards] |
Comments |
Odor threshold = 0.21 ppm; repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause burns; [NIOSH Guidelines for Chemical Hazards] In animal studies, high doses are toxic to the liver. [ACGIH] If left on clothes, can cause reddening of skin; [CHRIS] |
Exposure Assessment |
BEI |
Total 4-chlorocatechol in urine = 100 mg/g creatinine at end of shift at end of workweek; Total p-chlorophenol in urine = 20 mg/g creatinine at end of shift at end of workweek; |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
10 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
75 ppm |
MAK |
10 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
1000 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: AIHA [1964] reported that 8,000 ppm was fatal to cats in 30 minutes [Patty 1963; Flury and Zernik 1931]. Patty [1963] reported that the exposure of cats for 1 hour to 2,400 to 2,900 ppm causes unsteadiness, tremor, and twitching [Flury and Zernik 1931]. Based on the data cited above, an IDLH of 2,400 ppm is chosen for this draft technical standard. . . . Basis for revised IDLH: The revised IDLH for chlorobenzene is 1,000 ppm based on acute inhalation toxicity data in animals [DeCeaurriz et al. 1981; Flury and Zernik 1931]. |
Vapor Pressure |
12 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
0.08 ppm |
Odor Threshold High |
5.9 ppm |
RD50 |
1054 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 2,965 ppm |
Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 1.3 ppm); Flash point = 29.2 deg C; |
Half Life |
Estimated from animal studies: 2 days; [TDR, p. 313] |
Reference Link |
ATSDR ToxFAQs - Chlorobenzene |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: CHLOROBENZENE
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