Agent Name |
Benzidine |
CAS Number |
92-87-5 |
Formula |
C12-H12-N2 |
Major Category |
Nitrogen Compounds |
Synonyms |
1,1'-Biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine; 4,4'-Bianiline; 4,4'-Biphenyldiamine; 4,4'-Biphenylenediamine; 4,4'-Diamino-1,1'-biphenyl; 4,4'-Diaminobiphenyl; 4,4'-Diaminodiphenyl; 4,4'-Diphenylenediamine; Benzidine base; Benzioine; Biphenyl, 4,4'-diamino-; C.I. 37225; C.I. Azoic Diazo Component 112; CI 37225; CI Azoic diazo component 112; Fast Corinth Base B; p,p'-Diaminobiphenyl; p,p'-Dianiline; p,p-Bianiline; p-Benzidine; p-Diaminodiphenyl; [ChemIDplus] UN1885 |
Category |
Amines, Aromatic |
Description |
Grayish-yellow, reddish-gray, or white crystalline powder. Note: Darkens on exposure to air and light; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
"Benzidine is no longer produced for commercial sale in the United States. In 1973, OSHA regulations effectively banned United States production of benzidine. Any benzidine production must be for captive consumption (in-house use), and it must be maintained in closed systems under stringent workplace controls. . . . The predominant use of benzidine is in the production of dyes, especially azo dyes in the leather, textile, and paper industries. The Color Index lists over 300 colors of benzidine-derived dyes, some 18 of which were found to be commercially available in the United States (AATCC 1984; Gregory 1984). Eleven of these 18 dyes were domestically manufactured. Some of these dyes, especially direct browns, greens, and blacks, were available as consumer products in the 1970s (Jenkins 1978). . . . Access to such dyestuffs for home use is no longer available . . ." [ATSDR ToxProfiles] |
Comments |
Caused bladder cancer to workers in the past; both the inhalation and skin routes are significant; [ACGIH]; A liver toxin and carcinogen in experimental animals; health effects after acute exposure in the workplace have not been reported; [NIOSH Guidelines for Chemical Hazards] May cause methemoglobinemia; [HSDB] |
Restricted |
Not produced for commercial sale in the United States since 1974; however, benzidine can be imported and small amounts are still used to make benzidine-based dyes; [ACGIH] See 29CFR1910.1003; |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
Vapor Pressure |
8.98 x 10 -07 mm Hg |
Explanatory Notes |
Carcinogen--No TLV; |
Half Life |
No reports found; [TDR, p. 167] |
Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Benzidine |
Adverse Effects |
Methemoglobinemia |
Methemoglobinemia, Secondary |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
IARC Carcinogen |
Known Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: BENZIDINE
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