1,2-diethylbenzene

H226 (100%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H304 (92.5%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]

H315 (99.1%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (99.1%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (99.1%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H411 (82.3%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

H412 (10.2%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1017 reports by companies from 8 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

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.

H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

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

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264+P265, P280, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P319, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

TO FIGHT FIRE, USE CARBON DIOXIDE, DRY CHEMICAL. /DIETHYL BENZENE/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Diethyl benzene/

METHODS TO REDUCE HYDROCARBONS FROM EFFLUENTS ARE DESCRIBED. MIXT OF DIETHYLBENZENE ISOMERS WAS ONE OF WATER POLLUTANTS.

ZINC, MAGNESSIUM , CHROMIUM WERE PPT WITH CALCIUM OXIDE, THE METALS WERE RECYCLED, & THE SOLN CONTAINING DIETHYLBENZENE ISOMERS WAS REUSED.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit 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. /Diethyl benzene/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. /Diethyl benzene/

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. /Diethyl benzene/

5.6 [mg/m3]

Colorless liquid; [CHEMINFO]

Colorless

Characteristic aromatic; like benzene, like toluene

-31.2 °C

135 °F (57 °C) (Closed cup)

Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether, and acetone

Soluble in alcohol, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ether. /Diethylbenzene/

In water, 71.1 mg/l @ 25 °C.

0.8800 @ 20 °C/4 °C

1.05 [mmHg]

1.05 mm Hg @ 25 °C

log Kow= 3.72

806 °F (430 °C). /DIETHYLBENZENE/

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. /Diethyl benzene/

3.8X10-2 Pa.s @ 241.93 K

5.4X10+7 J/kmol @ 241.93 K

3.6X10-2 N/m @ 241.93 K

Index of refraction: 1.5035 @ 20 °C/D

Colorless liquid; wt/gallon: 7.22 Lb /isomeric mixt/

VAPOR PRESSURE: 1 MM HG AT 20.7 °C; CAN REACT WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS /ISOMERIC MIXT/

Heat of combustion: -17,800 Btu/lb= -9890 cal/g= -414 X 10(5) J/kg /Diethylbenzene/

Latent heat of vaporization: 140 Btu/lb= 77 cal/g= 3.2 X 10(5) J/kg /Diethylbenzene/

Liquid surface tension: 0.030 N/m at 20 °C /Diethylbenzene/

Boiling point

Dielectric constant

Heat of sublimation

Optical coefficient

Refractive index

Surface tension

Thermal expansion coefficient

Vapor pressure

Solvents -> Aromatic Solvents

... Can react with oxidizing materials. /Diethyl benzene/

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Lacrimator (Lachrymator) - A substance that irritates the eyes and induces the flow of tears.

LC50 (mice) > 30,000 mg/m3

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Aromatics hydrocarbons and related compounds/

MEN EXPOSED TO 1000 PPM ... EXPERIENCED EYE IRRITATION WHICH RAPIDLY DIMINISHED IN INTENSITY ON CONTINUED EXPOSURE. A CONCN OF 2000 PPM CAUSED IMMEDIATE, SEVERE EYE IRRITATION, LACRIMATION, AND IRRITATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF THE NOSE. ... 5000 PPM ... CAUSES INTOLERABLE IRRITATION OF ... EYES ... NOSE. /ETHYLBENZENE/

DIETHYL BENZENE TESTED BY DROP ON A RABBIT EYE CAUSED TRANSIENT SYMPTOMS OF IRRITATION, BUT NO INJURY WAS DETECTABLE BY FLUORESCEIN STAINING. /DIETHYL BENZENE/

WHEN ADMIN TO RATS ORALLY AT 0.1 LD50, DIETHYLBENZENE, MIXT OF ISOMERS, CAUSED SLIGHT HEMORRHAGE, DYSTROPHIC & DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN LIVER, GASTRIC MUCOSA, DUODENUM, SPLEEN & KIDNEYS. DECR OF PROTEIN & GLYCOGEN IN LIVER WERE OBSERVED. /ISOMER MIXT/

DIETHYLBENZENE, 2.5 MG/KG IN RABBITS DECR SIGNIFICANTLY WT OF ADRENAL GLANDS & SUMMATION OF SUBTHRESHOLD IMPULSES.

The effects of 1,2-diethylbenzene (DEB) and 1,2-diacetylbenzene (DAB) on brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were studied in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley-rats with surgically implanted cranial electrodes were administered 0, 75, or 100mg/kg DEB orally or were injected intraperitoneally with 0, 10, or 15mg/kg DAB daily 4 days a week for 8 weeks. Evaluation was based on clinical signs of toxicity, body weight gain, and urine sample analysis. BAEPs elicited in response to auditory click stimuli were measured periodically during dosing and up to 10 weeks after dosing (recovery). DEB administration was associated with: a blue discoloration of the skin and urine; decreased body weight after the first week of treatment; severe hindlimb weakness and gait disturbances; a dose and time related increase in peak latencies and decreases in amplitude of all five components of the BAEP; and prolonged interpeak latencies. DAB toxicity was similarly characterized. Of the 15 rats, 11 given the 15mg/kg dose and two given the 10mg/kg dose died. DAB induced decrements in the BAEPs similar to those caused by DEB. The increases in peak and interpeak latencies induced by both DAB and DEB showed signs of returning to the control values during the recovery period. The decreases in peak amplitude of the BAEP components did not recover. The authors conclude that DEB and DAB, its putative metabolite, are toxic to the central nervous system. The observed effects on the BAEP indicate that DEB and DAB induce functional alterations in the auditory pathways.

The role of 1,2-diacetylbenzene in the peripheral nerve toxicity of 1,2-diethylbenzene was investigated in rats. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 1,2-diacetylbenzene in the urine samples of rats given 165 mg kg-1 1,2-diethylbenzene orally on four consecutive days. 1,2-Diacetylbenzene shared not only the ability of 1,2-diethylbenzene to cause bluish discoloration of skin, internal organs and urine, but unlike 1,2-diethylbenzene it turned hair blue at the site of intraperitoneal injection. Intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg kg/1 and 20 mg kg/1 1,2-diacetylbenzene to groups of 12 rats, 4 days a week for 11 and 6 weeks, caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in mean sensory and motor conduction velocities. Recovery in a 5-week post-exposure period was gradual but consistent. The effect of 1,2-diacetylbenzene on the amplitude of the sensory action potential was ambiguous. The findings support the hypothesis that the formation of 1,2-diacetylbenzene derivatives contributes to the neurotoxicity of 1,2-diethylbenzene.

1,2-Diethylbenzene's presence in gasoline, kerosine, and No. 2 fuel oil, product of combustion engines, and its presence in volatile emissions from landfills and offshore drilling platforms may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1,2-diethylbenzene will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-diethylbenzene 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 2 days. 1,2-Diethylbenzene absorbs light in the environmental UV spectrum, and thus has the potential for direct photolysis. If released to soil, 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to have low mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 1600. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.6X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. 1,2-Diethylbenzene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released into water, 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based upon the estimated Koc. Groundwater and marine water grab sample tests suggests that 1,2-diethylbenzene will biodegrade completely in groundwater in 5 days and to a lesser extent in marine water, rate not specified. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.4 hr and 5 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 150 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. Hydrolysis is not expected to occur due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure to 1,2-diethylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 1,2-diethylbenzene is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to 1,2-diethylbenzene via inhalation and dermal contact with this compound in consumer products containing 1,2-diethylbenzene, such as gasoline. (SRC)

1,2-Diethylbenzene's production and use as a component of gasoline at a 0.10 WT%(1), its presence in kerosine and No. 2 fuel oil(2), its presence as a product of combustion engines(3), and its presence in volatile emissions offshore drilling platforms(4) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1600(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,2-diethylbenzene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 0.00261 atm-cu m/mole(3) estimated from its vapor pressure, 1.05 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 71.1 mg/l(6). The potential for volatilization of 1,2-diethylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist based upon a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg(5). 1,2-Diethylbenzene at a concn of 22.7 ug/l was completely removed within 5 days from a gas oil mixture at a concn of about 2 mg/l added to acclimated fresh-wellwater grab samples from Tuffenwies and Zurich, Switzerland, with a pH of 8.0, at 10 and 25 °C and microbial populations of 300-400 cells/ml(7). A gas oil mixture with a concn of 0.5 ppm contained 1,2-diethylbenzene, which degraded in North Sea coastal water maintained at 20 °C for 14 days(8).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1600(SRC), determined from an estimation method(2), indicates that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.00261 atm-cu m/mole(4) estimated from its vapor pressure, 1.05 mm Hg(8), and water solubility, 71.1 mg/l(9). Using this estimated Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.4 hr and 5 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 150(SRC), from its log Kow of 3.72(6), and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. Groundwater(10) and marine water grab sample tests(11), in which 1,2-diethylbenzene was a constituent of gas oil mixtures, suggests that 1,2-diethylbenzene may biodegrade in the aquatic environment.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1,2-diethylbenzene, which has a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-diethylbenzene 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 8.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C determined using a structure estimation method(3). 1,2-Diethylbenzene has the potential to undergo direct photolysis in air as it absorbs UV light at wavelengths in the environmentally significant range, >290 nm(4).

1,2-Diethylbenzene at a concn of 22.7 ug/l was completely removed within 5 days from a gas oil mixture at a concn of about 2 mg/l added to acclimated fresh-wellwater grab samples from Tuffenwies and Zurich, Switzerland, with a pH of 8.0, at 10 and 25 °C and microbial populations of 300-400 cells/ml(1). A gas oil mixture with a concn of 0.5 ppm contained 1,2-diethylbenzene, which degraded at a moderate rate in the North Sea coastal water maintained at 20 °C for 14 days(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 1,2-diethylbenzene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated to be 8.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2 days at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). 1,2-Diethylbenzene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2). 1,2-Diethylbenzene absorbs UV light at wavelengths of >290nm(3) and thus has the potential to undergo direct photolysis in the environment.

An estimated BCF of 150 was calculated for 1,2-diethylbenzene(SRC), using a log Kow of 3.72(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for 1,2-diethylbenzene can be estimated to be 1600(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to have low mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for 1,2-diethylbenzene is estimated as 2.6X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its vapor pressure, 1.05 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 71.1 mg/l(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). 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)(3) is estimated as 1.4 hr(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 5 days(SRC). 1,2-Diethylbenzene's estimated Henry's Law constant(1,2) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of 1,2-diethylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg(1).

DRINKING WATER: 1,2-Diethylbenzene was listed as a contaminant found in drinking water for a survey of US cities including Pomona, Escondido, Lake Tahoe and Orange Co, CA and Dallas, Washington, DC, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Ottumwa, IA, and Seattle(1).

Exhaust emissions tests from a 1990 gasoline and a reformulated gasoline had 0.88 and 0.59% (of total hydrocarbons) 1,2-diethylbenzene, respectively(1). 1,2-Diethylbenzene represented 0.28% and 0.26% of the total emission components from light duty vehicle emissions collected in August and October of 1994, respectively, from the Caldecott Tunnel in California(2). Off-gas concns from the Skyway Waste treatment and Highland Creek plant in Ontario, Canada consisted of 37 and 739 ug/cu m 1,2-diethylbenzene, respectively(3). 1,2-Diethylbenzene is reported to be a product of combustion engines(4). Formation water from offshore oil production platforms was found to contain 1,2-diethylbenzene at a concn of 140 ug/l(5). 1,2-Diethylbenzene was identified as a vapor emitted from landfills(6). Leachate samples taken from Guelph and Muskoka municipal waste treatment plants in Ontario were tested for 1,2-diethylbenzene and none was detected(7). 1,2-Diethylbenzenes were found in unquantified amounts in the effluent sample of a water treatment plant(9). 1,2-Diethylbenzene was detected, but not quantified, as an introduced volatile organic compound in the water of a test stand basin after a four-stroke outboard motor filled with unleaded gasoline was left in operation for 10 minutes(8).

SOURCE DOMINATED: According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene for source dominated atmospheres is below the detection limit for 7 samples(1). 1,2-Diethylbenzene was detected in the air at the Gatwick Airport, UK in 1979: airplane engines were the source(2).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median urban atmospheric concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene is 0.232 ppbV for 342 samples(2). Diethylbenzenes were detected in 4 of 4 outdoor air samples and 8 of 10 indoor air samples from 10 public access buildings (offices, schools, elderly homes and a hospital)(1). The atmospheres of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa were shown to contain 1,2-diethylbenzene(1). According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median suburban atmospheric concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene is 0.172 ppbV for 202 samples(2).

RURAL/REMOTE: According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median remote atmospheric concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene is below the detection limit for 1 sample(1).

Detected unquantified amounts of 1,2-diethylbenzene in crab meat and boiled shrimp(1).

Occupational exposure to 1,2-diethylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 1,2-diethylbenzene is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to 1,2-diethylbenzene via inhalation and dermal contact with this compound in consumer products containing 1,2-diethylbenzene, such as gasoline. (SRC)

1,2-Diethylbenzene's presence in gasoline, kerosine, and No. 2 fuel oil, product of combustion engines, and its presence in volatile emissions from landfills and offshore drilling platforms may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1,2-diethylbenzene will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-diethylbenzene 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 2 days. 1,2-Diethylbenzene absorbs light in the environmental UV spectrum, and thus has the potential for direct photolysis. If released to soil, 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to have low mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 1600. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.6X10-3 atm-cu m/mole. 1,2-Diethylbenzene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released into water, 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water based upon the estimated Koc. Groundwater and marine water grab sample tests suggests that 1,2-diethylbenzene will biodegrade completely in groundwater in 5 days and to a lesser extent in marine water, rate not specified. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.4 hr and 5 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 150 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. Hydrolysis is not expected to occur due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Occupational exposure to 1,2-diethylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 1,2-diethylbenzene is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to 1,2-diethylbenzene via inhalation and dermal contact with this compound in consumer products containing 1,2-diethylbenzene, such as gasoline. (SRC)

1,2-Diethylbenzene's production and use as a component of gasoline at a 0.10 WT%(1), its presence in kerosine and No. 2 fuel oil(2), its presence as a product of combustion engines(3), and its presence in volatile emissions offshore drilling platforms(4) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1600(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,2-diethylbenzene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 0.00261 atm-cu m/mole(3) estimated from its vapor pressure, 1.05 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 71.1 mg/l(6). The potential for volatilization of 1,2-diethylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist based upon a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg(5). 1,2-Diethylbenzene at a concn of 22.7 ug/l was completely removed within 5 days from a gas oil mixture at a concn of about 2 mg/l added to acclimated fresh-wellwater grab samples from Tuffenwies and Zurich, Switzerland, with a pH of 8.0, at 10 and 25 °C and microbial populations of 300-400 cells/ml(7). A gas oil mixture with a concn of 0.5 ppm contained 1,2-diethylbenzene, which degraded in North Sea coastal water maintained at 20 °C for 14 days(8).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1600(SRC), determined from an estimation method(2), indicates that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.00261 atm-cu m/mole(4) estimated from its vapor pressure, 1.05 mm Hg(8), and water solubility, 71.1 mg/l(9). Using this estimated Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.4 hr and 5 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 150(SRC), from its log Kow of 3.72(6), and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. Groundwater(10) and marine water grab sample tests(11), in which 1,2-diethylbenzene was a constituent of gas oil mixtures, suggests that 1,2-diethylbenzene may biodegrade in the aquatic environment.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1,2-diethylbenzene, which has a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,2-diethylbenzene 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 8.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C determined using a structure estimation method(3). 1,2-Diethylbenzene has the potential to undergo direct photolysis in air as it absorbs UV light at wavelengths in the environmentally significant range, >290 nm(4).

1,2-Diethylbenzene at a concn of 22.7 ug/l was completely removed within 5 days from a gas oil mixture at a concn of about 2 mg/l added to acclimated fresh-wellwater grab samples from Tuffenwies and Zurich, Switzerland, with a pH of 8.0, at 10 and 25 °C and microbial populations of 300-400 cells/ml(1). A gas oil mixture with a concn of 0.5 ppm contained 1,2-diethylbenzene, which degraded at a moderate rate in the North Sea coastal water maintained at 20 °C for 14 days(2).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 1,2-diethylbenzene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated to be 8.1X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2 days at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). 1,2-Diethylbenzene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2). 1,2-Diethylbenzene absorbs UV light at wavelengths of >290nm(3) and thus has the potential to undergo direct photolysis in the environment.

An estimated BCF of 150 was calculated for 1,2-diethylbenzene(SRC), using a log Kow of 3.72(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for 1,2-diethylbenzene can be estimated to be 1600(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to have low mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for 1,2-diethylbenzene is estimated as 2.6X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its vapor pressure, 1.05 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 71.1 mg/l(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 1,2-diethylbenzene is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). 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)(3) is estimated as 1.4 hr(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 5 days(SRC). 1,2-Diethylbenzene's estimated Henry's Law constant(1,2) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of 1,2-diethylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.05 mm Hg(1).

DRINKING WATER: 1,2-Diethylbenzene was listed as a contaminant found in drinking water for a survey of US cities including Pomona, Escondido, Lake Tahoe and Orange Co, CA and Dallas, Washington, DC, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans, Ottumwa, IA, and Seattle(1).

Exhaust emissions tests from a 1990 gasoline and a reformulated gasoline had 0.88 and 0.59% (of total hydrocarbons) 1,2-diethylbenzene, respectively(1). 1,2-Diethylbenzene represented 0.28% and 0.26% of the total emission components from light duty vehicle emissions collected in August and October of 1994, respectively, from the Caldecott Tunnel in California(2). Off-gas concns from the Skyway Waste treatment and Highland Creek plant in Ontario, Canada consisted of 37 and 739 ug/cu m 1,2-diethylbenzene, respectively(3). 1,2-Diethylbenzene is reported to be a product of combustion engines(4). Formation water from offshore oil production platforms was found to contain 1,2-diethylbenzene at a concn of 140 ug/l(5). 1,2-Diethylbenzene was identified as a vapor emitted from landfills(6). Leachate samples taken from Guelph and Muskoka municipal waste treatment plants in Ontario were tested for 1,2-diethylbenzene and none was detected(7). 1,2-Diethylbenzenes were found in unquantified amounts in the effluent sample of a water treatment plant(9). 1,2-Diethylbenzene was detected, but not quantified, as an introduced volatile organic compound in the water of a test stand basin after a four-stroke outboard motor filled with unleaded gasoline was left in operation for 10 minutes(8).

SOURCE DOMINATED: According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene for source dominated atmospheres is below the detection limit for 7 samples(1). 1,2-Diethylbenzene was detected in the air at the Gatwick Airport, UK in 1979: airplane engines were the source(2).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median urban atmospheric concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene is 0.232 ppbV for 342 samples(2). Diethylbenzenes were detected in 4 of 4 outdoor air samples and 8 of 10 indoor air samples from 10 public access buildings (offices, schools, elderly homes and a hospital)(1). The atmospheres of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa were shown to contain 1,2-diethylbenzene(1). According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median suburban atmospheric concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene is 0.172 ppbV for 202 samples(2).

RURAL/REMOTE: According to the National Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Database, the median remote atmospheric concn of 1,2-diethylbenzene is below the detection limit for 1 sample(1).

Detected unquantified amounts of 1,2-diethylbenzene in crab meat and boiled shrimp(1).

Occupational exposure to 1,2-diethylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 1,2-diethylbenzene is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to 1,2-diethylbenzene via inhalation and dermal contact with this compound in consumer products containing 1,2-diethylbenzene, such as gasoline. (SRC)

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. /Diethylbenzene/

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. /Diethylbenzene/

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Diethylbenzene/

/GUIDE 130: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Diethylbenzene/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for 1,2-DIETHYLBENZENE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2049; Diethylbenzene

IMO 3.3; Diethylbenzenes (ortho-; meta-; para-)

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.