Biphenyl

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

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

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

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.9% (11 of 1263) of reports.

H315 (99%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (99%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (35.3%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (99%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H400 (90.8%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (99.1%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P319, P320, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1263 reports by companies from 24 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 11 of 1263 reports by companies.

There are 23 notifications provided by 1252 of 1263 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.

H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

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

P203, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P304+P340, P318, P319, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

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

P203, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P337+P317, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P301+P317, P302+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P332+P317, P337+P317, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

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. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

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. 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. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. 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. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:

CAUTION: Fire involving Safety devices (UN3268) and Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN3559) may have a delayed activation and a risk of hazardous projectiles. Extinguish the fire at a safe distance.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use water spray, foam, powder, carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, water spray, mist, fog.

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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Environmental considerations: Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.

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

Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill. For small quant, sweep onto paper or other suitable material, place in an appropriate container and burn in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Large quant may be reclaimed; however, if this is not practical, use a procedure similar to that for small quant.

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for BIPHENYL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure 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, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for biphenyl: concentration process: Activated carbon.

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for biphenyl: Concentration process: Resin adsorption.

Incineration: Package in paper cartons or dissolve in a flammable solvent (waste alcohols) and burn in an approved incinerator.

By making package of diphenyl in paper or other flammable material and burning in a suitable combustion chamber. By dissolving diphenyl in a flammable solvent (such as alc) and atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

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.

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.

Avoid prolonged skin contact. Keep away from eyes. Do not inhale spray mist.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BIPHENYL (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust. Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

SMALL SPILL: Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from food and feedstuffs and oxidants. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Materials... toxic as stored or which can decompose into toxic components... should be stored in a cool... ventilated place, out of... sun, away from fire hazard... /and/ be periodically inspected. ...Incompatible materials should be isolated...

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data

AEGLs Status: Interim

0.87 [ppm]

9.6 [ppm]

48 [ppm]

0.2 ppm (1 mg/m³)

TWA 1 mg/m3 (0.2 ppm)

0.2 [ppm]

100 mg/m3 (NIOSH, 2024)

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Human data: It has been reported that one fatal case of liver necrosis with some areas of cirrhosis occurred in a worker who had been regularly exposed to vapor concentrations of approximately 100 mg/m3 [Hakkinen et al. 1973]. Other workers with repeated exposure to concentrations greater than 5 mg/m3 had gastrointestinal symptoms as well as polyneuritic complaints, with abnormalities of both the electroencephalogram and electromyogram [Hakkinen et al. 1973]. Some workers showed hepatic damage detected by liver function tests and biopsy [Hakkinen et al. 1973]. Workers exposed to concentrations ranging from 4.4 to 128 mg/m3 complained of the strong odor and irritation of the throat and eyes [Hakkinen et al. 1973].

100 mg/cu m

100 mg/m³

100 mg/m3

See: 92524

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.2 ppm.

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

0.2 ppm as TWA.

skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 3

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

The substance may have effects on the liver and nervous system. This may result in impaired functions.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diphenyl:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide:

• EYEWASH (MOLT) - Eyewash fountains should be provided (when this chemical is in molten form) in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

• QUICK DRENCH (MOLT) - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided (when this chemical is in molten form) within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Appropriate garments, gloves, and respiratory equipment should be available.

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. /Molten/

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for BIPHENYL (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 10 mg/m3 :

Biphenyl appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 180 °F. Insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to manufacture other chemicals and as a fungicide.

Colorless to pale-yellow solid with a pleasant, characteristic odor; [NIOSH]

WHITE CRYSTALS OR FLAKES WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

White to light brown leaflet solid, Pungent green aroma, rose-like upon dilution

Colorless to pale-yellow solid with a pleasant, characteristic odor.

Colorless to pale-yellow solid with a pleasant, characteristic odor. [fungicide]

White scales

Colorless leaflets

Pure biphenyl is a white crystalline solid that separates from solvents as plates or monoclinic prismatic crystals. Commercial samples are often slightly yellow or tan in color.

Pleasant, peculiar odor

... Pleasant, characteristic odor.

Pleasant, butter-like

489 to 491 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

256.1 °C

256.10 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

256.1 °C @760 [mm Hg]

156 to 160 °F (NTP, 1992)

68.93 °C

235 °F (NTP, 1992)

235 °F, 113 °C, (Closed cup)

113 °C c.c.

Insoluble (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether; very soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and methanol.

Soluble in alcohol, ether; very soluble in benzene

Soluble in oxygenated and chlorinated solvents.

In water, 7.48 mg/L at 25 °C

0.00748 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.0004

Insoluble in water

Soluble (in ethanol)

Insoluble

0.992 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

1.041 at 20 °C/4 °C

Sp gr: 1.04 (water= 1)

Relative density (water = 1): 1.04

1.04 @ 20°C

5.31 (USCG, 1999) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

5.31 (Air= 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 5.3

0.005 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

Insoluble in water.

Hydrocarbons, Aromatic

BIPHENYL is incompatible with oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)

Reacts with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

Dust explosion possible if in powder form, mixed with air.

Oxidizers

IDENTIFICATION: Biphenyl is an aromatic hydrocarbon and it is a colorless solid at room temperature. It is used as an intermediate in the production of a variety of compounds such as: emulsifiers, optical brighteners, crop protection products and plastics, as a dyestuff carrier in textiles and copying paper, as a solvent in pharmaceutical production and in the preservation of citrus fruits. Biphenyl occurs naturally in coal tar, crude oil and natural gas. HUMAN EXPOSURE: Exposure to high levels of biphenyl vapors or dusts in the workplace results in the irritation of the eyes and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure for several years to high level biphenyl concentrations caused damage to the liver and persistent neuronal changes. Direct skin contact may have played a part, in addition to uptake through the respiratory tract. ANIMAL/PLANT STUDIES: Biphenyl was well absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. In those species examined, the metabolites of biphenyl, mainly 4-hydroxybiphenyl, are excreted rapidly and almost exclusively in the urine. Acute oral toxicity is moderate. It is non-irritating to the skin and only slightly irritating to the eyes. There is no evidence of dermal sensitization. Subchronic exposure by inhalation caused bronchopulmonary changes, whereas long term toxicity studies following inhalation were not identified in literature. In toxicological studies in which rodents have been administered diets containing biphenyl for various periods of time, effects on the urinary system have often been reported. A marked increase of formation of calculi, hyperplasia and desquamation effects have been observed in the urinary tract of male rats administered diets containing biphenyl. An increase in the occurrence of calculi and squamous metaplasia within the urinary bladder of female rats has also been observed, but at lower incidence than males. In male mice fed a diet containing biphenyl developed simple hyperplasia and popular or nodular dysplasia of the urinary bladder. Effects on blood chemistry and hematological parameters have also been observed in animals administered biphenyl orally; these effects occur in male and female rats and mice at intakes over those associated with the development of effects in the urinary bladder of male rats administered biphenyl. For non-neoplastic effects the lowest observed level (LOEL) was based on the development of alterations in hematological parameters (i.e. decreased hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit) in rats fed diets containing biphenyl. In vitro studies with bacteria provided no evidence of mutagenic potential for biphenyl with Saccharomyces cerevisiae D7, gene mutation and mitotic recombination were observed with or without metabolic activation. However, genetic toxicology testing in mammalian cells produced positive results in the presence of metabolic activation and negative results in the absence of metabolic activation. In female mice there were slight increased incidences of benign and malignant liver tumors in animals receiving biphenyl in the diet for 2 yr. An increased incidence of bladder tumors was observed in male rats, but not in female rats or male or female mice, administered high levels of biphenyl. However, observations of an increased incidence of histopathological effects and the formation of calculi within the urinary bladder, in absence of bladder tumors in female rats administered biphenyl for 2 yr, lack of data identifying a direct association between calculi formation, regenerative hyperplasia of the urothelium, and the development of bladder tumors within individual male animals and (3) the potential genotoxicity of biphenyl could suggest that the development of bladder tumors in the male rats may not have been entirely due to the effects associated with the formation of calculi within the urinary bladder. This observation and the hepatocarcinogenicity in female mice raises some concerns with respect to the carcinogenicity of biphenyl. Available data on the reproductive toxicity of biphenyl are limited. Results from a 3 generation study in rats, in which adverse effects such as decreased fertility, litter size, growth rate were noted, there was no evidence that biphenyl induced reproductive or developmental effects. Biphenyl has weak bactericidal and fungistatic properties. In toxicity studies on organisms of four trophic levels, the lowest no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was reported for the most sensitive species, Daphnia magna.

Biphenyl alters the permeability properties of mitochondrial membranes (A279).

Biphenyl

5 x 10 ^-1 mg/kg-day

Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data and inadequate studies in mice and rats. Results of genotoxicity tests are generally negative. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate.

No indication of carcinogenicity (not listed by IARC). (L135)

Exposure to diphenyl can cause necrosis in the liver and kidney, with regions of cirrhosis in liver; also, degenerative changes in heart muscle, damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as death can result from diphenyl poisoning (T48).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Inhalation (A587) ; dermal (A587) ; eye contact (A587)

Cough. Nausea. Vomiting.

Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Further see Inhalation.

irritation eyes, throat; headache, nausea, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), numb limbs; liver damage

Symptoms of diphenyl poisoning include headache, fatigue, abdominal pain with nausea or diarrhea and various symptoms, vomiting and bronchitis (T48).

Eyes, respiratory system, liver, central nervous system

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin

Occupational hepatotoxin - Primary hepatotoxins: the toxic effect to the liver is the principal adverse effect of the chemical.

1,1\'-Biphenyl

1 x 10^-1 mg/kg-day

PDF Document

Suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential

SCREEN Current

IRIS Current

PPRTV Current

LD50: 3280 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T66)

LD50: 2400 mg/kg (Oral, Rabbit) (T23)

LD50: 2500 mg/kg (Dermal, Rabbit) (T59)

LD50 Rat oral 3280 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit oral 2400 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit dermal 2500 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse iv 56 mg/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for BIPHENYL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Consider gastric lavage, after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can be performed soon after ingestion. In case of inhalation exposure, move patient to fresh air and monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. In case of eye exposure, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. I f the exposure occurred through dermal contact, remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. (T36)

Coadministration of biphenyl and KHCO3 in the diet of male rats for 13 weeks produced urine crystals... composed of the potassium salt of 4-hydroxy-biphenyl-O-sulfate (4-HBPOSK). Biphenyl alone or biphenyl with KCl or NaHCO3 in the diet did not produce urine crystals.

Exposure treatment. Inhalation: Call for medical aid. Remove the victim to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult give oxygen. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Skin: Wash with soap and copious amounts of water. Eyes: Flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 min.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilation 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... . /Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

/CASE REPORTS/ One worker exposed repeatedly to concentrations as high as 123 mg/cu m for 10 years developed... neurological and gastric symptoms, severe ascites massive edema in the legs. ... Diffuse brain damage... serum transaminase levels were high. ...Coma and death ensued after one month. At autopsy... necrosis in the liver and kidney, with regions of cirrhosis in liver. Degenerative changes... in heart muscle. Brain was edematous and degeneration of ganglion cells was seen. Bone marrow appeared hyperactive with large numbers of immature white and red blood cell precursors.

/CASE REPORTS/ Twenty-two... workers /after exposure for 10 yr to approx 123 mg/cu m/ complained of headache, fatigue, abdominal pain with nausea or diarrhea and various symptoms of... /polyneuropathy/. ...Damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems ...After 2 yr... further neural degeneration... .

LC50 Cyprinodon variegatus (Sheepshead minnow) 4.6 mg/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 4-5 mg/L); static

LC50 Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill) 4.7 mg/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 4.3-5.1 mg/L); static

LC50 Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout, donaldson troutl) 1.5 mg/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 1.4-1.6 mg/L); static

LC50 Artemia salina (Brine shrimp) 26 mmol/cu m/24 hr; static

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for BIPHENYL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ...An 87-day early-life-stage study of rainbow trout has been conducted. In this study of hatching, development and growth, the NOEC was reported to be 0.229 mg/L biphenyl and the /maximum-allowable toxicant concentration/ (MATC) was assigned as 0.275 mg/L.

4.70e+01

2.00e+02

4.20e-01

1.80e+00

8.30e-01

4.00e+00

8.70e-03

8.00e-03

5.00e-01

4.00e-04

Volatile

1.40e+02

6.00e+02

1.30e+00

5.30e+00

2.50e+00

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in plants. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

Biphenyl's production and use in organic synthesis, as a heat transfer agent, in plant disease control, manufacture of benzidene, as a dyeing assistant for polyesters and its former use as a fungistat on shipping papers for oranges may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Biphenyl is synthesized in certain plants and in algae. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 8.93X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates biphenyl will exist as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase biphenyl 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. Biphenyl has been found partly in the particle-sorbed phase in the atmosphere; therefore, particulate-phase biphenyl may be physically removed from the air by dry deposition. As biphenyl absorbs very little light at wavelengths above 290 nm, direct photolysis in air is not expected to be an important process. If released to soil, biphenyl is expected to have low to slight mobility based upon Koc values of 870 to 3,300. Test results indicate that biodegradation in soil is variable with 86% mineralized to carbon dioxide in 98 days using a Flanagan silt loam soil, and in an Altamont soil, 81% of biphenyl initially applied mineralized after 24 days. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.08X10-4 atm-cu m/mole. If released into water, biphenyl is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the measured Kocs. Biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process under aerobic conditions, as indicated by a reported half-life of 2-3 days in a river die-away test. Acclimation may increase biodegradation rates. Biphenyl may be resistant to biodegradation under anaerobic conditions. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hrs and 6 days, respectively. However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 41 days if adsorption is considered. BCF values from 280 to 4,500 suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high. 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 biphenyl may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where biphenyl is produced or used. The most likely pathway by which the general public is exposed to biphenyl is by inhalation due to the release of this substance from combustion of natural products, fuel, and refuse, and cigarette smoke. Monitoring data also indicate that the general population may be exposed to biphenyl via ingestion of food and drinking water, although these pathways are considered minor when compared to inhalation. (SRC)

Biphenyl is synthesized in certain plants and in algae(1).

Biphenyl's production and use in organic synthesis, as a heat transfer agent, in plant disease control, manufacture of benzidene, as a dyeing assistant for polyesters(1), in phthalic anhydride manufacture(2) and its former(3) use as a fungistat applied to inside of shipping container or wrappers for oranges(4) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams.

Biphenyl is directly released to the environment during the combustion of biomass, coal, oil, plastics, refuse, rubber, and wood(1,4,5). Biphenyl may also be found in the environment due to its use(1), and as a product of coal gasification and natural gas production(7-9) and textile mill processes(6). Biphenyl is released in tobacco smoke(2) and motor vehicle exhaust(3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 870-3,300(2), indicate that biphenyl is expected to have low to slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of biphenyl from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 3.08X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(3); however the importance of this process decreases with increasing soil depth(5). Biphenyl is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 8.93X10-3 mm Hg(4). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). As biphenyl absorbs very little light at wavelengths greater than 290 nm(5), direct photolysis should not be important(SRC). Test results indicate that biodegradation in soil is variable with 86% mineralized to carbon dioxide in 98 days using a Flanagan silt loam soil, and in an Altamont soil, 81% of biphenyl initially applied mineralized after 24 days(6). Acclimation plays a role in the rate as biodegradation amounted to 36% in 2 weeks in a diesel oil contaminated soil containing 31 mg/k biphenyl(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 870 to 3,300(2), indicate that biphenyl is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.08X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hrs and 6 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 41 days if adsorption is considered(5). According to a classification scheme(6), a BCF range of 280-4,500(7-10) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high(SRC). Biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process under aerobic conditions, as indicated by a reported half-life of 2-3 days in a river die-away test(11); however, the compound may be resistant to biodegradation under anaerobic conditions(12). Biodegradation of biphenyl may be very slow in unpolluted seawater(13).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), biphenyl, which has a vapor pressure of 8.93X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase biphenyl 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 7.20X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Biphenyl has been found partly in the particle-sorbed phase in the atmosphere(4); therefore, particulate-phase biphenyl may be physically removed from the air by dry deposition(SRC). As biphenyl absorbs very little light at wavelengths above 290 nm(5) direct photolysis in air may not be an important process(SRC).

Several organisms have been found that can grow on diphenyl and use it as the sole carbon source.

AEROBIC: Numerous screening studies with activated sludge as microbial inoculum, conducted to assess the biodegradation potential of biphenyl, have shown that the compound is biodegradable(1-5). Biphenyl, at 100 mg/l, reached 66% of the theoretical BOD after 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum(6). Acclimation of the microbial population may increase the biodegradation rate of biphenyl(5).

AEROBIC: In a river die-away study with water from Tittabawassee River, Midland, MI, the biodegradation half-life of biphenyl was determined to be 2-3 days(1). A die-away study with seawater from Seward, AK determined the biodegradation half-life of biphenyl to be 2.8 months in clean seawater(2). When groundwater from an abandoned creosote manufacturing facility containing 25 mg/l biphenyl was incubated under aerobic conditions, no detectable (detection limit, 3.5 ng/l) biphenyl was found within 3 weeks(3). In an ecocore microcosm study using water/undisturbed sediment, the half-life of primary biodegradation of biphenyl was 2-3 days and mineralization accounted for 38-42% of total biphenyl loss(4). The presence of oxygen enhances subsurface biodegradation of biphenyl(5).

AEROBIC: Inoculation of aquifer solids with a biphenyl-degrading enrichment culture stimulated the biodegradation of biphenyl compared with uninoculated aquifer solids; addition of either Alfonic 810-60 or Novel II 1412-56 surfactants increased the mineralization of biphenyl, believed due to the increased partition of biphenyl to the aqueous phase in their presence(1). The addition of Novel II 1412-56 to the surface of Lima silt loam did not enhance the initial rate (the first four days) of biphenyl mineralization(2).

For more Environmental Biodegradation (Complete) data for BIPHENYL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of biphenyl with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 7.20X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 2 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Biphenyl does not contain a functional group amenable to hydrolysis(2). As biphenyl absorbs very little light at wavelengths greater than 290 nm(3), direct photolysis should not be important(SRC). When irradiated with light of wavelength greater than 290 nm at an incident intensity greater than available in natural sunlight, the mean photolytic half-life of biphenyl in three soils was estimated to be 30 days(3).

Bioconcentration factors for biphenyl in golden orfe (Leuciscus idus melanotus) and the amphipod Rhepoxynius abronius, have been measured as 280(1) and 4,500(2). Measured BCF values for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were reported as 437(3) and 1,318(4). According to a classification scheme(5), these BCF values indicate that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high(SRC). Bivalve molluscs, Mercenaria mercenaria L., exposed to waste crankcase oil containing biphenyl for 2 days, did not significantly depurate biphenyl over a 45 day period in clean water(6).

In three soils, the log Koc was determined to be in the range 2.94-3.52 (Koc of 871-3,331)(1). The experimental mean log Koc value in five soils was 3.16 (Koc of 1,445)(3). The log Koc value in humic acids was determined to be 3.27 (Koc of 1,862)(4). According to a recommended classification scheme(2), these log Koc values indicate biphenyl may have low to slight mobility in soil(SRC). A log Koc of 5.09 was measured using soot columns and an SRM-1650 soot standard obtained from NIST(5). A retardation factor (Rf) of 2.1 was measured for biphenyl using soil columns filled with a surface soil (organic carbon = 12.6%, 60.3% sand, 24.0% silt, 15.7% clay, porosity = 0.7)(6). A retardation factor of 2.2-2.3 was measured for biphenyl on columns packed with low carbon aquifer material(7). The sorption of biphenyl on HDTMA clays indicated that sorption occurs via partition interactions with the HDTMA-derived organic phase. The greater the HDTMA content and the larger spacings of high charge HDTMA clays increased biphenyl's sorption(8).

The Henry's Law constant for biphenyl is 3.08X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that biphenyl is expected to volatilize from water 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 4 hours(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 6 days(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 41 days if adsorption is considered(3). Biphenyl's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The rate of volatilization from moist soil was found to be rapid(4). A desorption rate constant (attributed to volatilization) of 3.2X10-3/hr (half-life = 9 days) was measured using PCB-contaminated, aged sediments from the Rhine River, Germany(5). However, the importance of volatilization should decrease as the soil depth increases(5). Biphenyl is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure of 8.93X10-3 mm Hg(6).

DRINKING WATER: Biphenyl was detected in drinking water in the U.S.(1) and in the U.K.(2). It was detected in drinking water from Ottawa, Canada at 0.7-1.1 ng/L and from Eastern Ontario, Canada at 0.1-1.7 ng/L(3,4). The concn range of biphenyl in drinking water from 12 Canadian treatment plants was 0.3-31.9 ng/L(5).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure 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, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for biphenyl: concentration process: Activated carbon.

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for biphenyl: Concentration process: Resin adsorption.

Incineration: Package in paper cartons or dissolve in a flammable solvent (waste alcohols) and burn in an approved incinerator.

By making package of diphenyl in paper or other flammable material and burning in a suitable combustion chamber. By dissolving diphenyl in a flammable solvent (such as alc) and atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.

49 131 08; Biphenyl (Diphenyl) (Combustible liquid, NOS)

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: Xi, N; R: 36/37/38-50/53; S: (2)-23-60-61

UN Hazard Class: 9; UN Pack Group: III