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Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)

Benzene, ethyl-

RTECS #

DA0700000

CAS #

100-41-4

Updated

December 2013

Molecular Weight

106.18

Molecular Formula

C8H10

Synonyms

Aethylbenzol (German)
Ethyl benzene
Ethyl benzene (ACGIH:OSHA)
Ethylbenzeen (Dutch)
Ethylbenzene
Ethylbenzol
Etilbenzene (Italian)
Etylobenzen (Polish)
NCI-C56393
Phenylethane

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /rabbit 500 mg severeAJOPAA 29,1363,1946
skin /rabbit 15 mg/24H open irritation test mildAIHAAP 23,95,1962

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
micronucleus testembryo/hamster25 mg/LMUREAV 392,61,1997
mutation in mammalian somatic cellslymphocyte/mouse80 mg/LEMMUEG 12,85,1988
sister chromatid exchangelymphocyte/human10 mmol/LMUREAV 116,379,1983
specific locus testintraperitoneal/mouse754 µmol/LMUREAV 608,29,2006

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 97 ppm/7H (15D prior to copulation)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Female fertility index (e.g., # females pregnant per # sperm positive females; # females pregnant per # females mated)NTIS** PB83-208074
inhalation/rat 985 ppm/7H (1-19D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)NTIS** PB83-208074
inhalation/rat 96 ppm/7H (1-19D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal systemNTIS** PB83-208074
inhalation/rat 600 mg/m3/24H (7-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system		ATSUDG 8,425,1985
inhalation/rat 2400 mg/m3/24H (7-15D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)ATSUDG 8,425,1985
inhalation/rabbit 99 ppm/7H (1-18D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Litter size (e.g., # fetuses per litter; measured before birth)NTIS** PB83-208074
inhalation/rabbit 500 mg/m3/24H (7-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)ATSUDG 8,425,1985
inhalation/rabbit 1 gm/m3/24H (7-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: AbortionATSUDG 8,425,1985
inhalation/rat 1000 ppm/6H (6-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Other developmental abnormalities

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system		FCTOD7 41,415,2003
inhalation/rat 1000 ppm (6-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)JAPTO* 27,32,2007

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 750 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Bronchogenic carcinoma

Liver: Tumors		NTPTR* NTP-TR-466,1999
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 46350 mg/kg/103W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors		NTIS** PB99-134694
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 46350 mg/kg/103W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors		NTIS** PB99-134694
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 750 ppm/1W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors

Tumorigenic: Increased incidence of tumors in susceptible strains		TOSCF2 71,53,2003
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 750 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Bladder tumors		NTPTR* NTP-TR-466,1999
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 750 ppm/1W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Kidney tumors

Tumorigenic: Increased incidence of tumors in susceptible strains		TOSCF2 71,53,2003
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 23400 mg/kg/104W- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Kidney tumors

Reproductive: Tumorigenic effects: Testicular tumors		NTIS** PB99-134694
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 19500 mg/kg/104W- intermittentTumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Kidney tumors		NTIS** PB99-134694

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, leukemia cells Inhibitor Concentration (20 percent kill): 0.36 mmol/L/3HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays		TXCYAC 271,122,2010
In Vitro/Human, leukemia cells Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 0.99 mmol/L/3HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.

In Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assays		TXCYAC 271,122,2010
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 10000 ppmOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Eye: Lacrimation

Behavioral: Tremor		PHRPA6 45,1241,1930
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 2500 ppm/8HBehavioral: ComaNETEEC 24,503,2002
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 100 ppm/8HEye: Other eye effects

Behavioral: Sleep

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes		AIHAAP 31,206,1970
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 21700 mg/m3Behavioral: AntipsychoticVCVGH* -,153,1990
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 8700 mg/m3/6MEye: LacrimationVCVGH* -,153,1990
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 4350 mg/m3Eye: Conjunctiva irritation

Behavioral: Tolerance		VCVGH* -,153,1990
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 4350 mg/m3Eye: Conjunctiva irritationVCVGH* -,153,1990
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 10 ppm/4HCardiac: Pulse rate decreased with fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes		NRTXDN 24,179,2003
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 35500 mg/m3/2HVCVGH* -,152,1990
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 10000 ppmBehavioral: General anesthetic

Behavioral: Ataxia

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVGH* -,152,1990
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 5000 ppm/30MVCVGH* -,152,1990
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 50 gm/m3/2HGTPZAB 5(5),3,1961
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 600 ppm/6MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depressionTOLED5 9,137,1981
inhalation/rabbit lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 4000 ppm/4HENTOX* -,282,2005
inhalation/rat Lowest published lethal concentration: 4000 ppm/4HAIHAAP 23,95,1962
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 55000 mg/m3/2HVCVGH* -,152,1990
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2624 µL/kgARTODN 58,106,1985
intraperitoneal/rat lowest published toxic dose: 1062 mg/kgLiver: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Hepatic microsomal mixed oxidase (dealkylation, hydroxylation, etc.)		TXAPA9 179,74,2002
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3500 mg/kgLiver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes		AMIHAB 14,387,1956
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 3500 mg/kgVCVGH* -,152,1990
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 565 mg/kgBlood: Other changesTXAPA9 250,162,2011
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 17800 µL/kgFCTXAV 13,803,1975
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): >5000 mg/kgENTOX* -,282,2005
skin/rat lowest published toxic dose: 0.08 mL/kgSkin: After systemic exposure: Dermatitis, irritative

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation		TXCYAC 255,100,2009

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 30 mg/m3/7Y- intermittentBehavioral: Headache

Behavioral: Irritability		VCVGH* -,154,1990
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 975 ppm/6H/97D- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight		NTPTR* NIH-92-3129
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 782 ppm/6H/4W- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weightFAATDF 13,399,1989
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 100 mg/m3/4H/30W- intermittentBlood: Changes in serum composition (e.g. TP, bilirubin, cholesterol)

Blood: Other changes

Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count		GTPZAB 8(2),9,1964
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 550 ppm/8H/5D- intermittentEar: Change in acuity

Ear: Change in cochlear structure or function		NETEEC 24,503,2002
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 ppm/6H/8D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Behavioral: Food intake (animal)		FCTOD7 41,415,2003
inhalation/rat : 1000 ppm/15D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/rat : 250 ppm/15D- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weightFCTOD7 44,1287,2006
inhalation/rat : 1000 ppm/7D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainJAPTO* 27,32,2007
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic dose: 200 ppm/13W- intermittentEar: Change in cochlear structure or functionARTODN 81,127,2007
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 740 ppm/6H/92D- intermittentLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in lung weight

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight		NTPTR* NIH-92-3129
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 782 ppm/6H/4W- intermittentLiver: Changes in liver weight

Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count

Blood: Changes in platelet count		FAATDF 13,399,1989
oral/rabbit lowest published toxic dose: 1386 mg/kg/24W- continuousBrain and Coverings: Recordings from specific areas of CNS

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain		VCVGH* -,154,1990
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 8993 mg/kg/2W- intermittentEar: Change in cochlear structure or functionARTODN 79,346,2005

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 20 ppmDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Confirmed animal carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Sufficient EvidenceIMEMDT 77,564,2000
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 77,564,2000
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 2BIMEMDT 77,564,2000
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 566,21,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 127,111,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 128,99,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 140-141,261,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 543,201,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,227,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,109,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,151,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,282,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 635,81,2007
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 584,1,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 566,49,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,577,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 674,101,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 47,1287,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 721,27,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 49,1877,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 49,1877,2011

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-airtime-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3)DTLVS* 3,104,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 100 ppm (434 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 125 ppm (543 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 100 ppm (440 mg/m3);KZW 200 ppm (880 mg/m3), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 100 ppm (442 mg/m3), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMshort term exposure limit 125 ppm (551 mg/m3), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 50 ppm (217 mg/m3), carc, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-ECtime-weighted average 442 mg/m3 (100 ppm);short term exposure limit 884 mg/m3 (200 ppm), skin, JUN2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 50 ppm (220 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 200 ppm (880 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 100 ppm (442 mg/m3), VLE 200 ppm (884 mg/m3), Skin, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 20 ppm (88 mg/m3), skin, 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 442 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 884 mg/m3, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 50 ppm (200 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 200 ppm (884 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANOccupational Exposure Limit 50 ppm (217 mg/m3), 2B carc, MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 125 ppm (545 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 125 ppm (545 mg/m3), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 100 ppm (434 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 125 ppm (543 mg/m3), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 50 ppm (220 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 100 ppm (434 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 125 ppm (543 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDMAC(time-weighted average) 100 mg/m3, MAC(short term exposure limit) 350 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAtime-weighted average 50 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 150 mg/m3, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 50 ppm (200 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 100 ppm (450 mg/m3), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDceiling concentration 100 ppm (435 mg/m3), skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 215 mg/m3, Skin, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINEStime-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 100 ppm (441 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 125 ppm (552 mg/m3), skin, OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm (435 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO ETHYL BENZENE-air10H time-weighted average 100 ppm;short term exposure limit 125 ppmNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 31830; Number of Industries 126; Total Number of Facilities 17633; Number of Occupations 92; Total Number of Employees Exposed 201833; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 34405
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 31830; Number of Industries 64; Total Number of Facilities 7190; Number of Occupations 55; Total Number of Employees Exposed 57442

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/99/166647)
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Negative: Cell transform.-SA7/SHE
EPA TSCA 8(a) PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION, FINAL RULEFEREAC 47,26992,82
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (inhal);clear evidence:rat
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (inhal);equivocal evidence:mouse
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Hydrocarbons, aromatic, 1501
NTP Carcinogenesis Studies (inhalation):some evidence:mouse NTPTR* NTP-TR-475,1998
NTP Toxicity studies, RPT# TOX-10, October 2000
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #1002

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