benzyl alcohol

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P330, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 4746) of reports.

H302 (> 99.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H319 (18.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (95.3%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P330, P337+P317, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 4746 reports by companies from 43 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 4746 reports by companies.

There are 42 notifications provided by 4745 of 4746 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H312 (100%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (100%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

P261, P272, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P210, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P317, P319, P321, P330, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P317, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.

Foam, carbon dioxide, dry chem ...

If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides.

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a POTW is acceptable only after review by the governing authority. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must meet Hazardous Material Criteria for disposal.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/

Environmental considerations: Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/

Accidental Release Measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Waste treatment methods. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

Ventilation control: the basic ventilation methods are local exhaust ventilation and dilution or general ventilation.

... Substitution of less irritating substances ... Redesign of operations ... Prevent contact, provision of a physical barrier against contact, proper washing facilities, work clothing and storage facilities, protective clothing, and barrier creams. Medical control ...

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Separated from strong oxidants.

Benzyl alcohol is stored in stainless steel tanks. Because benzyl alcohol oxidizes readily, it is advisable to cover the surface of the liquid with nitrogen.

... Store in places that are cool ... Provide adequate ventilation ... Locate the storage area ... away from areas of fire hazard. Highly flammable materials must be kept apart from powerful oxidizing agents, materials susceptible to spontaneous heating, explosives ...

Store at a temp not exceeding 40 °C in airtight containers. Protect from light.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Handle and store under inert gas. Hygroscopic.

5.0 [ppm]

10 [ppm]

110 [ppm]

660 [ppm]

Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (WEEL): 8-hr Time-weighted Average (TWA) 10 ppm.

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

The aerosol is irritating to the eyes and skin. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system.

Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.

Neoprene gloves; chemical safety goggles (USCG, 1999)

Rubber gloves; chemical safety goggles

Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles. /Benzyl alcohol (Combustible liquid, NOS)/

Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

NO open flames.

Use ventilation.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Benzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Slightly denser than water. Flash point 194 °F. Boiling point 401 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be slightly toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.

Gas Vapor; Liquid; Liquid; Liquid; Wet Solid; Other Solid; CBI; Other Solid

Colourless, clear liquid with a faint, aromatic odour

A colorless liquid with a sharp burning taste and slight odor; [ChemIDplus]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

colourless liquid with a slightly pungent, faint aromatic, fruity odour

A clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.

Water-white liquid

Faint aromatic odor

Sharp burning taste

401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

205.3 °C

205.00 to 206.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

205.31 °C @760 [mm Hg]

4.5 °F (NTP, 1992)

-15..2 °C, 258 K, 5 °F

-15.2 °C

-15.4 °C

213 °F (NTP, 1992)

213 °F (closed cup); 220 °F (open cup)

220 °F (105 °C) (open cup)

200 °F (93 °C) (closed cup)

96 °C (205 °F) (Closed cup)

93 °C c.c.

10 to 50 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in water, ethanol and ether

In water, 42,900 mg/L at 25 °C

In water, 35,000 mg/L at 20 °C

Soluble in benzene, methanol, chloroform, ethanol, ether, methanol, chloroform and acetone

One gram dissolves in 25 mL water; one vol dissolves in 1.5 vols of 50% ethyl alcohol; freely soluble in 50% alcohol; miscible with absolute and 94% alcohol, ether, chloroform.

42.9 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml: 4

slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, oils

miscible at room temperature (in ethanol)

1.05 at 1515 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.0419 g/cu cm at 24 °C

Percent in saturated air at 20 °C: 0.02; density of saturated air: 1.0005 (air = 1)

Liquid heat capacity = 0.520 BTU/lb-F at 68 °F; Liquid thermal conductivity = 1.088 BTU-in/hr-sq ft-F at 70 °F; Saturated vapor density = 0.00161 lb/cu ft at 180 °F; Ideal gas heat capacity = 0.276 BTU/lb-F at 60 °F

Relative density (water = 1): 1.04

1.040-1.050

Slightly soluble in water.

Alcohols and Polyols

Attacks plastics. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: an explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73 1967; J, Org. Chem. 28:1893 1963]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites [NFPA 491 M 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence [Wischmeyer 1969].

Mixtures with sulfuric acid decompose expliosively at 180 °C.

... Incompatible with oxidizing agents.

Possible problems ... may occur when polystyrene syringes are used with certain types of drug products that contain paraaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and benzyl alcohol since these agents can extract and dissolve the plastic. At times the rubber tip of the plunger may release a constituent to the drug product.

Benzyl alcohol containing acidic constituents and dissolved iron was found to polymerize with a rapid temperature increase when heated in excess of 100 °C. Amines, pyridene, and alkali hydroxides act as inhibitors and prevent polymerization.

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents

Benzyl alcohol

B: Compounds that form peroxides on concentration (distillation/evaporation)

9 samples ranged from 0-100 ppm, ages from at least 1-11 yrs

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

IDENTIFICATION: Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic organic alcohol, water-white in color with a faint aromatic odor and a sharp burning taste; it is a preservative, a solvent, and a local anesthetic. It is used in a wide variety of products including photographic developer for color movie films; dyeing nylon filament, textiles, and sheet plastics; solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, casein, waxes; heat-sealing polyethylene films; intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers; bacteriostatic; cosmetics, ointments, emulsions; ball point pen inks; stencil inks. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Benzyl alcohol has been found to be irritating to the skin at levels 3% or greater. Patch test with 0.65% benzyl alcohol did not produce irritation of the skin. Benzyl alcohol poisoning can cause the gasping syndrome in neonates. The infants had a typical course of gradual neurologic deterioration, severe metabolic acidosis, the striking onset of gasping respirations, thrombocytopenia, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse and death. In every infant, unmetabolized benzyl alcohol was identified in the urine. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur after parenteral or dermal exposure to benzyl alcohol. Acute reactions include urticaria, erythema, palpable edema, fatigue, nausea, diffuse angioedema, maculopapular rash, and fever. A delayed hypersensitivity reaction characterized by erythema, edema, and vesiculation may appear in 2 to 3 days after an immediate reaction to a single benzyl alcohol challenge in the same patient. Reports are available contraindicating the use of neuromuscular blocking agents containing benzyl alcohol. Use of these agents was not advised in neonates or in the epidural space. Benzyl alcohol 0.225 mg/mL, the clinically relevant concentration in triamcinolone acetonide (TA) following intravitreal injection, caused ultrastructural damage and impaired human retinal pigment epithelial cell function at 2 hr. Benzyl alcohol 9.0 mg/mL, the concentration in commercial TA suspensions, was toxic within 5 minutes. ANIMAL STUDIES: In a primary irritation study 10% benzyl alcohol applied in a 24-hour occlusive patch to the back of eight male albino rabbits did not cause irritation. Undiluted benzyl alcohol was moderately irritating when applied to the depilated skin of guinea pigs for 24 hr. Acute intravenous toxicity of benzyl alcohol was determined in mice. Clinical signs were convulsion, dyspnea and reduced motility in all strains for 24 hours. The slight decrease in body weight in the first week following treatment returned to normal in the second week. Microscopic examination revealed local nerve degeneration when 5% benzyl alcohol was injected into the side of a cat's face; at 10% local anesthesia was produced. In another experiment, rats were given oral doses of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 13 weeks. The high dose produced clinical signs indicative of neurotoxicity including staggering, respiratory difficulty, and lethargy. Reduction in weight gain was noted in males at 800 mg/kg and females at equal to or greater than 200 mg/kg. The high dose animals also showed hemorrhages around the mouth and nose, and histological lesions in the brain, thymus, skeletal muscle, and kidney. Fifty pregnant mice were given 750 mg/kg/day benzyl alcohol in water by gavage on days 6-13 of gestation and were allowed to deliver. A decrease in the birth weight and weight gain in the pups was observed, but the chemical was not toxic to the mothers and had no effect on pup viability. Benzyl alcohol was tested for genotoxicity in 5 Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA1535, TA1537, TA97, TA98, and TA100) in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. The highest ineffective dose tested without toxicity in any S. typhimurium strains was 5.0 mg/plate. Slight inhibition of the background bacterial lawn occurred in cultures at 6.666 mg/plate but no significant change was seen in the results. In a mammalian cell genotoxicity assay using CHO cells, benzyl alcohol was negative without metabolic activation and positive with metabolic activation.

Benzyl Alcohol

TR-343: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Alcohol (CASRN 100-51-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1989 )

11/06/87

No Evidence

Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of benzyl alcohol for male or female F344/N rats dosed with 200 or 400 mg/kg. Survival in both dose groups of female rats was 50% that of vehicle controls, primarily due to an increased number of gavage-related deaths. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of benzyl alcohol for male or female B6C3F1 mice dosed with 100 or 200 mg/kg for 2 years.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

Cough. Dizziness. Headache.

Redness.

Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Drowsiness. Nausea. Vomiting.

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

Benzyl alcohol

1 x 10^-1 mg/kg-day

3 x 10^-1 mg/kg-day

PDF Document

Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential

PPRTV Current

LCLo (rat) = 1,000 ppm/8h

LD50 Mouse sc 950 mg/kg bw

LD50 Rat sc 1700 mg/kg bw

LD50 Guinea pig ip > 400-800 mg/kg bw

LD50 Rat ip > 400-800 mg/kg bw

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in industrialized countries. Understanding the mechanisms of APAP-induced liver injury as well as other forms of sterile liver injury is critical to improve the care of patients. Recent studies demonstrate that danger signaling and inflammasome activation play a role in APAP-induced injury. The aim of these investigations was to test the hypothesis that benzyl alcohol (BA) is a therapeutic agent that protects against APAP-induced liver injury by modulation of danger signaling. APAP-induced liver injury was dependent, in part, on Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) signaling. BA limited liver injury over a dose range of 135-540 ug/g body weight or when delivered as a pre-, concurrent, or post-APAP therapeutic. Furthermore, BA abrogated APAP-induced cytokines and chemokines as well as high-mobility group box 1 release. Moreover, BA prevented APAP-induced inflammasome signaling as determined by interleukin (IL)-1(beta), IL-18, and caspase-1 cleavage in liver tissues. Interestingly, the protective effects of BA on limiting liver injury and inflammasome activation were dependent on TLR4 signaling, but not TLR2 or CD14. Cell-type-specific knockouts of TLR4 were utilized to further determine the protective mechanisms of BA. These studies found that TLR4 expression specifically in myeloid cells (LyzCre-tlr4-/-) were necessary for the protective effects of BA. BA protects against APAP-induced acute liver injury and reduced inflammasome activation in a TLR4-dependent manner. BA may prove to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of APAP and other forms of sterile liver injury.

Enhancement of elimination: Hemodialysis may enhance the elimination of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites and may also be useful to help correct severe metabolic acidosis. However, more cases involve prolonged repeated infusion, and the usefulness of dialysis in unknown.

The main treatment for benzyl alcohol toxicity is discontinuation of the exposure and supportive care.

Antidotes: There is no proven antidote for benzyl alcohol poisoning. Because it is metabolized by ADH, a trial of ADH blockade may be reasonable. This has not been tested because toxicity has generally developed after multiple doses and was already present at presentation.

Supportive care: Metabolic acidosis may be resistant to sodium bicarbonate therapy. Blood product and volume exchange transfusions do not appear to alter the overall clinical course. It has been reported that the clinical course after intrathecal benzyl alcohol injection may be improved by rinsing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space. The procedure involves placement of a lumbar drain and ... normal saline plus methylprednisolone ... exchanged for CSF.

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Results /were reported/ of a cosmetic intolerance assay that patch tested 5202 patients with possible allergic contact dermatitis (537 of the patients had a history of "intolerance," allergy, or irritation to cosmetics). Patch test conditions were not specified. A reaction was noted in 48 (0.92%incidence) to benzyl alcohol. Reactions were noted in 2 of the 155 patients with cosmetic allergy.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Four positive patch tests to 6.5% benzyl alcohol /were reported/ among 242 patients with histories of contact allergy of varying origin. An index of simultaneous reactivity in which the number of reactions to other perfume ingredients was divided by the number of positive reactions to benzyl alcohol had a value of 0.50 (one individual responded to eugenol and another to isoeugenol).

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Patch test results /were complied/ from 12 dermatologists over a 6-year period. Patches had been applied to the upper back for 48 hours of contact, and sites were evaluated at 48 and 72 hours. Three cutaneous reactions to 5% benzyl alcohol in petrolatum were noted among 713 cosmetic dermatitis patients.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) report on benzyl alcohol cited an unpublished Kligman Maximization study that tested 10% benzyl alcohol in petrolatum using 25 male volunteers (skin types: 10 were Caucasian and 15 were Black). Benzyl alcohol (and three other test materials) was applied under occlusive patches to the forearm of panelists. A total of five 48-hour exposures occurred during induction and each was preceded by a 24-hour occlusive pretreatment of the sites with 5% aqueous sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Following a 10-day nontreatment period, panelists were challenged on the scapular back with a 48 hour patch. Challenge sites were pretreated for 1 hour with 10%SLS. Challenge sites were examined at 48 and 72 hours. No reactions were observed.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (33 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cup containing 10% w/v benzyl alcohol was fastened (using surgical tape) to the dorsal side of three male nude mice for 24 hours of contact. Following exposure, mice were immediately killed and specimens of the exposed areas and of an adjacent untreated area were taken for microscopic examination. The skin sections were fixed in formalin, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and scored using the Ingram & Grasso system. A typical section from benzyl alcohol-treated areas had severe compact hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, spongiosis, intracellular edema, and some areas of ulceration of the epidermis. The collagen bundles in the dermis appeared slightly fragmented and slight cell infiltration of the area was noted. The final score for benzyl alcohol was 22, the modal score for at least three animals. Scores greater than 21 were considered "unacceptably severe damage." The investigators acknowledged that male nude mice were not an ideal model for human skin; however, the study was done to establish the relative dermal tolerance of various penetration enhancers.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In a cumulative irritation study, three male albino guinea pigs received a daily open application of 10% benzyl alcohol in squalane (0.3 mL) on the back for 3 successive days. Sites were evaluated for erythema and edema 24 hours after each application and scored on a scale of 0 to 4. Benzyl alcohol in squalane received a cumulative score of 0.4, falling in the </=2.0 range of "none to weak irritant".

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In a primary irritation study 10% benzyl alcohol in squalane was applied (0.3 mL) in a 24-hour occlusive patch to the back of eight male albino rabbits. The sites had been clipped free of hair and were abraded in four rabbits. Sites were evaluated according to the Draize scoring system at the time of patch removal and 72 hours later. No irritation was observed; there was a score of zero on a scale of 0 to 8.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Undiluted benzyl alcohol /was administered/ intravenously (via the tail vein) to groups of 10 mice (5 of each sex). Three different mice strains were used with the following dose ranges. CD2F1 mice received 0.05 to 0.2 mL/kg, B6D2F1 mice received 0.05 to 0.4 mL/kg, and C57BL/6N mice received 0.025 to 0.1 mL/kg. All mice weighed between 14 and 18 g. The highest dose given did not exceed the LD50. Body weight was determined prior to the start of dosing, and 1 week thereafter. Animals were observed for 14 days and postmortem examinations were performed on day 15. Blood samples were withdrawn from the abdominal aorta and analyzed for hemolysis and precipitation potential. Convulsions, dyspnea, and reduced mobility were noted at the first 24-hour observation in mice treated with all but the lowest dose of benzyl alcohol. Decreased body weight gain or slight decrease in body weight was noted in B6D2F1 and C57BL/6N mice treated with all but the lowest dose. Postmortem alteration included hyperemia and edema in most animals that had died during the observation period (number not reported). Occasional hemorrhagic foci were observed in the spleen of C57BL/6N mice from all dose groups that had survived benzyl alcohol treatment. The blood from benzyl alcohol- treated mice had a potential for hemolysis and precipitation. Undiluted benzyl alcohol was ranked the most toxic of the five vehicles tested, which included dimethyl sulfoxide, polyethylene glycol 400, dimethylformamide, and absolute ethanol.

EC50; Species: Haematococcus pluvialis (Algae); Concentration: 2600mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: inhibition of photosynthesis /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

EC50; Species: Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Algae); Concentration: 95 mg/L for 3 hr, Effect: inhibition of photosynthesis /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

LC50; Species: Petrumyzon marinus /lamprey/; Conditions: static bioassay; Concentration: >=5 mg/L for 24 hr

LC50; Species: Leuciscus idus /Ide, silver or golden orfe/; Conditions: static bioassay; Concentration: 646 mg/L for 48 hr

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

6.30e+03

8.20e+04

2.00e+03

5.00e+00

4.80e-01

1.00e-01

Volatile

1.90e+04

2.50e+05

5.90e+03

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

Benzyl alcohol's production and use as a solvent and chemical intermediate, in perfumery and flavoring, in textiles and sheet plastics, inks, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical aid may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Benzyl alcohol's natural occurrence in flower oils and tree exudates may result in its direct release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates benzyl alcohol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzyl alcohol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 16 hours. Benzyl alcohol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, benzyl alcohol is expected to have very high mobility based upon a Koc range of <5 to 29. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 94% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil and water. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.37X10-7 atm cu m/mole. Benzyl alcohol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon a vapor pressure. If released into water, benzyl alcohol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 1.4 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to benzyl alcohol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where benzyl alcohol is produced or used. Monitoring and use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to benzyl alcohol via dermal contact with consumer products containing benzyl alcohol and to a lesser extent via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water. (SRC)

Benzyl alcohol occurs primarily in flower oils and tree exudates(1). Several plants containing benzyl alcohol include tea, hyacinth, daffodil, jasmine, rosemary, tangerine, peppermint, and blueberry(2). Benzyl alcohol is a constituent of jasmine, hyacinth, ylang-ylang oils, and at least 2 dozen additional essential oils(1,3). It is an important part of the odor of gardenia, some rose varieties, narcissus and peony, as well as castoreum, balsams of perus and tolu, and propolis(1).

Benzyl alcohol's production and use as a solvent, chemical intermediate, pharmaceutical aid, in perfumery and flavoring (mostly as its aliphatic esters)(1), in textiles and sheet plastics, inks, cosmetics, as a bacteriostat, and photographic developer(2) and fragrance ingredient or preservative(3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of <5(2) and 29(3) indicate that benzyl alcohol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of benzyl alcohol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.37X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(4). Benzyl alcohol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 94% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of <5(2) and 27(3) indicate that benzyl alcohol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.37X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 1.4(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.10(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 94% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(9) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), benzyl alcohol, which has a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor phase benzyl alcohol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule sec at 25 °C(3). Benzyl alcohol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Benzyl alcohol underwent 70% of theoretical biological oxygen demand in 5 days under aerobic conditions using an acclimated mixed microbial culture(1). At an initial concentration of 250 ppm, benzyl alcohol achieved 29% of the theoretical BOD after 12 hours in a sewage sludge acclimated to this compound, and 31% oxidation in a sludge acclimated to mandelic acid(2). At an initial concentration of 500 ppm, it achieved 52%, 42%, and 43% of the theoretical BOD in 12 hours using a settled sewage sludge acclimated to phenol, benzoic acid, and catechol, respectively(2). It is listed as a synthetic organic chemical easily biodegradable by biological sewage treatment(3). Benzyl alcohol at an initial concentration of 500 mg/L was shown to undergo rapid oxygen uptake under aerobic conditions when inoculated with municipal sewage sludge(4,5). Benzyl alcohol achieved 48% of the theoretical BOD in 5 days using a sewage sludge seed(6). Benzyl alcohol underwent 60.8% degradation using an industrial sludge inoculum under aerobic conditions in 5 days(7). Benzyl alcohol, present at 100 mg/L, reached 94% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(8). An experimentally-derived first-order aerobic biodegradation rate constant of 0.05 days was reported(9), corresponding to a half-life of about 13 days(SRC).

AEROBIC: BOD5/COD ratio for benzyl alcohol: 0.091 /From table/

ANAEROBIC: Under anaerobic conditions, benzyl alcohol underwent 100% mineralization within 2 weeks when inoculated with a municipal digester sludge(1). Benzyl alcohol at an initial concentration of 50 ppm underwent greater than 75% mineralization to carbon dioxide and methane within 8 weeks using a municipal sewage sludge inoculum under anaerobic conditions(2). Using sediment from anoxic salt marsh, 10 mM benzyl alcohol underwent degradation to carbon dioxide and methane after a 2 month incubation period(3). Benzyl alcohol was shown to be readily biodegradable using a synthetic anaerobic sewage sludge(4).

The rate constant for the vapor phase reaction of benzyl alcohol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.29X10-11 cu cm/molecule sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about two days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Benzyl alcohol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Benzyl alcohol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(2) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The half-life for the reaction of benzyl alcohol with alkylperoxy radicals was estiamted at 9 years(SRC) using an experimentally determined rate constant of 2.4 L/mole-s(1) and an estimated alkylperoxy concentration in water of 1X10-9 mole/L(2). The half-life for the reaction of benzyl alcohol with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals in water can be estimated at approximately 100 days using an experimentally determined rate constant of 8.4X10+9 L/mole-s(3) and an optimal hydroxyl radical concentration of 1X10-17 mole/L in natural waters(2). Exposure of benzyl alcohol to sunlight for 4 hours in natural water did not produce any detectable oxidizing species (detection limit 1.5 uM), demonstrating that photochemical induced oxidation did not occur within that time frame(4).

An estimated BCF of 1.4 was calculated in fish for benzyl alcohol(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.10(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Experimental Koc values for benzyl alcohol were <5 for three different soils; Apison (0.11% organic carbon), Fullerton (0.06% organic carbon), and Dormont (1.2% organic carbon)(1). An experimental Koc of 15 was determined for benzyl alcohol on a red-brown Australian soil (1.09% organic carbon)(2,3). A log Koc of 1.43 has also been reported(4). According to a classification scheme(5), these Koc values suggest that benzyl alcohol is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for benzyl alcohol is 3.37X10-7 atm cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that benzyl alcohol is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water and moist soil surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 113 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 825 days(SRC). Benzyl alcohol's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Benzyl alcohol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg(3).

GROUNDWATER: Benzyl alcohol was found at a concencentration of 170 ug/L in one groundwater sample taken from 1 of 19 monitoring wells at an unauthorized waste site in New Jersey sampled in May 1985(1).

SURFACE WATER: Benzyl alcohol was identified, not quantified, in samples from Putah Creek, Yolo County, CA collected on November 26, 1993(1). Benzyl alcohol was not found in surface water from an unauthorized waste site in New Jersey sampled in May 1985(2).

RAIN/SNOW/FOG: Benzyl alcohol was detected in March snow samples of urban and rural regions in Russia: in Butovo, Russia at 0.004, Moscow State University, Moscow Russia at 0.11, Shosse Entuziastov, Moscow, Russia at 0.04, and Baikal'sl on Lake Baikal, Siberia (in the vicinity of pulp and paper mill) at 0.30 ug/kg. It was not detected in samples from Finland(1).

Benzyl alcohol has been identified in the waste water effluent from the photographic processing industry(1) and in 6 out of 8 effluent samples from Kraft paper mills located in Georgia at a concentration up to 0.025 mg/L(2). Benzyl alcohol has been qualitatively determined in the secondary effluent from wastewater treatment plants in Illinois(3). The effluent from a Los Angeles county waste water treatment plant contained 500 ug/L of benzyl alcohol(4). Benzyl alcohol was identified, not quantified, in the leachate from a Barcelona, Spain, sanitary landfill(5) and from a municipal refuse disposal site in the Netherlands(6). Benzyl alcohol was identified, not quantified, in the wastewater of a petrochemical company producing olefins and oxygenated hydrocarbons in Louisiana(7). Benzyl alcohol was found in the effluent of 1 out of 4 test waste incinerators in the US(8). The emission rate of benzyl alcohol from motor vehicle traffic in a tunnel in Los Angeles, CA was reported as 1618.1 ug/L gasoline of gasoline fuel burned(9). Benzyl alcohol was identified, not quantified, in the emissions of various types of furniture coatings(10), some common household wastes(11) and in perfumes(12). Benzyl alcohol has been detected in samples collected from oil reclaiming wastewaters. The samples of oil reclaiming wastewater contained benzyl alcohol concentrations of 515 and 307 ug/L before and after treatment by precipitation/flocculation, respectively(13).

Of the total non-methane organic compounds analyzed in 14 whole air source emission samples from Cairo Egypt collected between June 5 and 10, 1997, benzyl alcohol accounted (% by weight) for: 0.06% (roadway); 0.48% in hot soak, 0.18% in cold start (bus parking garage); 0.01% (motorcycle); 0.02% (petroleum refinery); 0.28% (lead smelter); and 0.28% (cast iron factory); however, these results were in conjunction with p cymene(1). It was not detected in regular or high grade gasoline headspace, regular or high grade whole gasoline, non-combusted LPG, nor non-combusted natural gas(1). Benzyl alcohol was detected in the emissions of 3 and 28 day old PVC cushion vinyl at concentrations of 9 and 5 ug/sq m(2). Benzyl alcohol has been identified as a substance emitted from an operating TV set(3).

SEDIMENT: Benzyl alcohol was detected not quantified in sediments from three river estuaries and a port in Niigata, Japan, sampled in September 1995(1). The compound was detection in samples from the Hokura River (drains industrial and agricultural areas) at a factor of 10+5, the Shinano River (drains urban and agricultural areas) at a factor of 10+5, and the Tainai River (drains industrial and agricultural areas) at a factor of 10+5; concentrations in samples from the Niigata East Port (drains industrial areas) were at a factor of 10+6(1).

INDOOR: Benzyl alcohol was present at low relative abundance in 42% of indoor air samples from 26 homes in Finland. It was not reported in air samples from 50 residences where occupants complained of Sick Building Syndrome(1).

SOURCE DOMINATED: Benzyl alcohol concentrations in Los Angeles air sampled on Sept 8-9, 1993 during a severe photochemical smog episode ranged from 2.67-143.97 ng/cu m(1).

Benzyl alcohol has been identified as a volatile flavor component of baked potatoes(1), Beaufort (Gruyere) cheese(2), bacon(3), and roasted filberts (nuts)(4). It has been identified as a volatile component of blended nectarines, but not in a headspace analysis of the intact fruit(5). Benzyl alcohol was detected in different forms of cooked sweet corn at concentrations of less than 1 ppb to 8 ppb(6). Benzyl alcohol was identified, not quantified, in the edible portion of Korean chamchwi plants(7).

The concentrations in three commercial fermented soybean (Glycine max) available in Hong Kong markets were 107.6, 138., and 211.7 ug/kg(1). Benzyl alcohol was detected in Australian honey at concentrations of and 0.1-0.6 mg/kg from sources of yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora); it was not detected in honey based on Australian blue gum (Eucalyptus leaucoxylon)(2). The compound is a volatile of ground musty sorghum(3). Benzyl alcohol was identified in Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) pine sprout tea and pine needle tea(4).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Waste treatment methods. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Benzyl alcohol can be transported in drums protected by stoving finishes and in tank wagons of aluminum or stainless steel.

Symbol: Xn; R: 20/22; S: (2)-26