nitrobenzene

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

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

H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

H360F: May damage fertility [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

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

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

P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H301+H311+H331 (10%): Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (100%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H331 (100%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H336 (12.1%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

H351 (100%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

H360 (54.5%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

H361 (45%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H372 (100%): Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H411 (45.2%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

H412 (54.8%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 389 reports by companies from 19 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.

H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]

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

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

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

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

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

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

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

P203, P210, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P337+P317, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P273, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

P203, P210, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H361f: Suspected of damaging fertility [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

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

Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised. Prior alcohol consumption aggravates the effects of nitrobenzene poisoning.

Note: Absorption of nitrobenzene through the skin is rapid.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Nitrobenzene Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to nitrobenzene may be severe and include cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and cardiac arrhythmias. Respiratory depression and respiratory failure may also occur. Headache, lethargy, weakness, vertigo (dizziness), severe depression, and coma may be noted. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Urine and vomitus may have the odor of bitter almonds.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to nitrobenzene may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to nitrobenzene.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to nitrobenzene.

3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of nitrobenzene is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step

4.Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of nitrobenzene may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step

4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.

4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.

6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing at the site.

Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Water, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical

Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products.

If material is on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. 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.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

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)

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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· 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.

Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. 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.

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 permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. 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 be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

1. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 2. If in liq form, for small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in safe place (such as fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear hood ductwork. Burn paper in suitable location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be collected and atomized in suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. 3. If in solid form, allow to melt and handle as indicated in ... /phrase 2/ above.

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

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount Remove trapped material with suction hoses. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U169, F004, and D036 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Nitrobenzene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Incineration (1800 °F, 2.0 sec minimum) with scrubbing for nitrogen oxide abatement.

A potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.

A comparison was made of various methods for treating petrochemical wastewater. Among these are wet air oxidation, carbon adsorption, chemical oxidation, and biological treatment. Among the biological treatment methods are stripping of volatile organic carbon, sorption on biomass, and biodegradation. Nitrobenzene was among the priority pollutants commonly present in oil refinery wastewater which show >95% biodegradation.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in a manner that results in no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose of, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance procedures to confirm the efficacy of the cleaning procedures should be implemented prior to the decontaminated protective clothing being returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing (including shoes/socks) 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 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.

A qualitative estimate of potential dermal exposure to nitrobenzene in the workplace was obtained using gauze surface wipes, a dermal badge sampler was developed to estimate potential worker dermal exposure to nitrobenzene via splashes, spills and aerosol vapors, and an air sampling train, consisting of an acid-treated glass fiber filter in series with a large silica gel tube, allowed airborne workplace exposures to nitrobenzene to be quantified. AIl samples were desorbed with ethanol followed by analysis using capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.

Evacuation: If material leaking (not on fire) consider evacuation from down wind area based on amount of material spilled, location and weather conditions.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents, strong oxidants, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, dark location. Separate from acids, bases, oxidizing materials, and metals.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practical to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or end of shift;

0.1 [ppm]

3.0 [ppm]

20 [ppm]

200 [ppm]

1 ppm (5 mg/m³)

TWA 1 ppm (5 mg/m3) [skin]

1.0 [ppm]

200 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

200.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Human data: It has been reported that 200 ppm is the maximum concentration that can be inhaled for 1 hour without serious disturbance [Henderson and Haggard 1943].

See: 98953

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 1 ppm, skin.

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.

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: total p-nitrophenol in urine; Sampling Time: end of shift at end of workweek; BEI: 5 mg/g creatinine. The determinant is nonspecific, since it is also observed after exposure to other chemicals.

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: methemoglobin in blood; Sampling Time: end of shift; BEI: 1.5% of hemoglobin. The determinant may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration which could affect interpretation of the result. Such background concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value. The determinant is nonspecific, since it is also observed after exposure to other chemicals. The biological determinant is an indicator of exposure to the chemical, but the quantitative interpretation of the measurement is ambiguous. These determinants should be used as a screening test if a quantitative test is not practical or as a confirmatory test if the quantitative test is not specific and the origin of the determinant is in question.

1 ppm as TWA; (skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans).

1 ppm [1992]

0.51 mg/m

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· 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.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

USSR (1967): 0.6 ppm; Czechoslavakia (1969): 1 ppm; West Germany (1974): 1 ppm; East Germany (1973): 1 ppm; and Sweden (1975): 1 ppm.

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C; on spraying or dispersing, however, much faster.

The substance may cause effects on the blood. This may result in the formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Nitrobenzene appears as a pale yellow to dark brown liquid. Flash point 190 °F. Very slightly soluble in water. Toxic by inhalation and by skin absorption. Combustion give toxic oxides of nitrogen. Density 10.0 lb /gal.

Yellow, oily liquid with a pungent odor like paste shoe polish. [Note: A solid below 42 degrees F.]; [NIOSH]

PALE YELLOW OILY LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Yellow to dark brown, oily liquid with a pungent odor like paste shoe polish.

Yellow, oily liquid with a pungent odor like paste shoe polish. [Note: A solid below 42 °F.]

Greenish-yellow crystals or yellow, oily liquid

Colorless to yellow, oily liquid (Note: A solid below 42 degrees F).

Bright-yellow crystals or pale-yellow to colorless, oily liquid

Odor of volatile oil almond

Pungent odor like paste shoe polish

Aqueous solutions are sweet tasting

411.4 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

210.8 °C

210.8 °C @760 [mm Hg]

42 °F (EPA, 1998)

190.4 °F (EPA, 1998)

190 °F (88 °C) (Closed cup)

88 °C c.c.

Insoluble (<1 mg/ml at 75 °F) (NTP, 1992)

Slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride; very soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, benzene

Soluble in ~500 parts water; freely soluble in alcohol, benzene, ether, oils

Readily soluble in most organic solvents and is completely miscible with diethyl ether, benzene, and alcohol.

Slightly soluble in water with a solublity of 0.19% at 20 °C and 0.8% at 80 °C

In water, 2.09X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C

2.09 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml: 0.2

1.2037 at 68 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink

1.2037 g/cu cm at 20 °C

Density: 1.199 g/cu cm at 25 °C/4 °C; Specific heat: 1.509 J/g at 30 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.2

1.205 @ 15°C

4.3 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

4.25 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.2

1 mmHg at 111.92 °F (EPA, 1998)

0.24 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure: 1 mm Hg at 44.4 °C

Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 20

0.3 mmHg at 77 °F

(77 °F): 0.3 mmHg

Very slightly soluble in water.

Nitro, Nitroso, Nitrate, and Nitrite Compounds, Organic

CSL00011

NITROBENZENE + ALUMINUM CHLORIDE

Explosive decomposition > 120°C observed on kg scale

Not Available

Friedel Crafts

User-Reported

CSL00138

NITROBENZENE + DIPHENYLACETYLENE + ALUMINUM CHLORIDE

Aluminum chloride-nitrobenzene mixtures explode with existence of diphenylacetylene

Explosive

M (up to 100g)

Dissolve aluminum chloride in nitrobenzene in the presence of an oxidizable organic component should always be conducted initially on a small scale and with proper shielding in the event of an explosion.

ACS Safety Letters

Aluminum chloride added to NITROBENZENE containing about 5% phenol caused a violent explosion [Chem. Eng. News 31:4915. 1953]. Heating a mixture of nitrobenzene, flake sodium hydroxide and a little water led to an explosion, discussed in [Bretherick's 5th ed. 1995]. Mixed with oxidants, i.e. dinitrogen tetraoxide, fluorodinitromethane, nitric acid, peroxodisulfuric acid, sodium chlorate, tetranitromethane, uranium perchlorate, etc., forms highly sensitive explosive, [Bretherick 5th ed, 1995]. Heated mixtures of nitrobenzene and tin(IV) chloride produce exothermic decomposition with gas production [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].

Explosive reaction with solid or concentrated alkalai + heat (eg, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), aluminum chloride + phenol (at 120 °C), aniline + glycerol + sulfuric acid, nitric + sulfuric acid + heat.

Forms explosive mixtures with aluminum chloride, oxidants (eg, fluorodinitromethane, uranium perchlorate, tetranitromethane, sodium chlorate, nitric acid, nitric acid + water, peroxodisulfuric acid, dinitrogen tetraoxide), phosphorus pentachloride, potassium, sulfuric acid.

Reacts violently with aniline + glycerin, N2O, AgClO4.

A soln of phosphorus pentachloride in nitrobenzene is stable at 110 °C but begins to decomp with accelerating violence above 120 °C, with evolution of nitrous fumes.

Concentrated nitric acid, nitrogen tetroxide, caustics, phosphorus pentachloride, chemically-active metals such as tin or zinc.

Concentrated nitric acid, nitrogen tetroxide, caustics, phosphorus pentachloride, chemically-active metals such as tin or zinc

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

IDENTIFICATION: Nitrobenzene is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with an odor similar to bitter almonds or shoe polish. It is soluble in water and it represents a fire hazard. Nitrobenzene is a synthetic chemical. It does not occur naturally. Its main use is in the synthesis of aniline and is used as a chemical intermediate to produce polyurethane. It is used as a solvent during petroleum refining and in the manufacture of cellulose ethers and acetates. It is used to produce dinitrobenzenes, dichloroanilines and in the synthesis of other compounds including acetominophen. HUMAN EXPOSURE: Nitrobenzene can be inhaled or by skin penetration. Nitrobenzene has been detected in ambient air and water and in finished water supplies. Nitrobenzene is found in fish. Occupational exposure occurs in petroleum plants and other facilities that produce nitrobenzene. The spleen is the target organ in humans occupationally exposed to this chemical. The spleen in tender and enlarged. Liver effects including hepatic enlargement and tenderness and altered serum chemistries have been reported in a woman exposed to nitrobenzene by inhalation. Headache, confusion, vertigo and nausea were reported. Orally exposed persons have included symptoms of apnea and coma. ANIMAL/PLANT/BACTERIAL STUDIES: Nitrobenzene causes toxicity in multiple organs by all routes of exposure, This solvent causes methemoglobinemia based on all routes of administration. All exposure routes are associated with hemolytic anemia, splenic conjestion, liver, bone marrow and spleen hematopoiesis. In rats, nitrobenzene caused splenic capsular lesions via gavage or dermal application. Effects on the liver were noted in rats and mice after both gavage and dermal application of nitrobenzene with centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis, hepatocellular nucleolar enlargement, severe hydroscopic degeneration and pigment accumulation in Kupfer cells. Incleased vacuolation of the X zone of the adrenal gland was noted in female mice after oral administration and dermal dosing. In subchronic oral and dermal studies in rats and mice, central nervous system lesions in the cerebellum and brainstem was life threatening. These lesions included petechial hemorrhages and hepatic toxicity. Dose dependent neurological effects included ataxia, head tilt, arching, loss of righting reflex, tremors, coma and consulsions were noted. Other target organs included kidney (increased kidney weight, glomerular and tubular epithelial swelling, pigmentation of tubular epithelial cells), nasal epithellium (glandularization of respiratory epithelium, pigment disposition and degeneration of olfactory epithellium), thyroid (follicular cell hyperplasia), thymus (involution) and pancreas (mononuclear cell infiltration) while lung pathology (emphysema, atelectasis and bronchiolization of alveolar celll walls) was reported in rabbits. In an inhalation study using male and female B6C3F1 mice and male and female Fischer 344 rats and male Sprague Dawley rats, survival was not adversely affected at the concentrations tested for mice; but nitrobenzene was toxic and carcinogenic in both species and both rat strains including a spectrum of benign and malignant (lung, thyroid, mammary gland, liver and kidney) neoplasms. Nitrobenzene was not genotoxic in bacteria and mammalian ceells in vitro and mammalian cells in vivo. Studies reported DNA damage in repair assays, genetic mutation assays, chromosomal effects assays and cell transformation assays. Nitrobenzene was a testicular toxicant. Nitrobenzene appears to be toxic to bacteria and may adversely affect sewage facilities. The toxicity of nitrobenzene to fresh water invertebrates, Daphnia, marine invertebrates and fish indicate high acute toxicity.[

Nitrobenzene

Endocrine

Hematologic

Respiratory

2 x 10 ^-3 mg/kg-day

9 x 10 ^-3 mg/m^3

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and(or) Semi-Volatile Organic Compound (SVOC)

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity

Under the Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 2005), nitrobenzene is classified as "likely to be carcinogenic to humans" by any route of exposure. While there are no human carcinogenicity data on nitrobenzene, the cancer characterization is based on evidence of the compound's tumorigenicity in a single well-conducted study in two animal species.

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on no data concerning carcinogenicity in humans or animals. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. /Based on former classification system/

Classification of carcinogenicity: 1) evidence in humans: inadequate; 2) evidence in animals: sufficient. Overall summary evaluation of carcinogenic risk to humans is Group 2B: The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

For more Evidence for Carcinogenicity (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans

Volume 65: (1996) Printing Processes and Printing Inks, Carbon Black and Some Nitro Compounds

2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (L135)

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

Headache. Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Dizziness. Nausea. Weakness. Confusion. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Further see Inhalation.

See Inhalation.

irritation eyes, skin; anoxia; dermatitis; anemia; methemoglobinemia; In Animals: liver, kidney damage; testicular effects

Cancer, Hematological (Blood Forming), Hepatic (Liver), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Eyes, skin, blood, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, reproductive system

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.

Methemoglobinemia - The presence of increased methemoglobin in the blood; the compound is classified as primary toxic effect.

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

IARC Carcinogen - Class 3: Chemicals are not classifiable by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

NTP Carcinogen - Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Animal.

IRIS Current

ATSDR Final

LC50 (rat) = 556 ppm/4 hr

Mean lethal dose by mouth probably lies between 1 and 5 g.

LD50 Rat oral 600 mg/kg

LD50 Rat skin 2100 mg/kg

LD50 Rat ip 640 mg/kg

EC50; Species: Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Green algae, log growth phase, 2x10+8 cells/L); Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 6.6; Concentration: 18000 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 15000-22000 ug/L); Effect: growth, general /formulation/

EC50; Species: Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Green algae, 2x10+6 cells/mL); Conditions: freshwater, static, 22 °C, pH 7.4; Concentration: 28000 ug/L for 72 hr (95% confidence interval: 23000-36000 ug/L); Effect: decreased population growth rate />99.5% purity/

EC50; Species: Lymnaea stagnalis (snail); Concentration: 116 (98-139) mg/L for 1 day; Effect: mortality /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source/

EC50; Species: Scenedesmus obliquus (green algae); Conditions: static; Concentration: 67.7 mg/L for 48 hr; Effect: growth inhibition

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (52 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ 21 day Daphnia reproduction tests were conducted in line with the provisional procedure proposed by the Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt, FRG), as of Jan 1, 1984. Groups of 20, 24 hr old Daphnia magna were exposed to 1.6 to 200 mg/L nitrobenzene in semi-static test vessels. Parent animals in the test and control vessels had to be pipetted 3 times/wk in freshly prepared test and control media at the corresponding concentration level. The no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was determined from the parameters of mortality of the parent animals, reproduction rate and appearance of the first offspring during the test period. In preliminary acute Daphnia tests, the 24 hr EC50 was 60 mg/L for nitrobenzene, the EC0 was 19 mg/L. The nominal 21 day no observed effect concentration was 13 mg/L, with the most sensitive parameter being the reproductive rate.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Toxicity threshold /as determined by/ (cell multiplication inhibition test): bacteria (Pseudomonas putida) 7 mg/L; algae (Microcystis aeruginosa) 1.9 mg/L; green algae (Scenedesmus quadricauda) 33 mg/L; protozoa (Entosiphon sulcatum and Uronema parduczi) 1.9 mg/L and 15 mg/L, respectively.

/PLANTS/ Eight species of plants were exposed to nitrobenzene in a hydroponic solution. Four species experienced no depression of either transpiration or photosynthetic rates, while one was rapidly killed and the other three were temporarily affected but recovered from the treatment. Uptake of nitrobenzene was passive and was shown to be proportional to the rate of water flux in each species. The transpiration stream concentration factor (TSCF) was 0.72. The root concentration factor (RCF) was variable between the species and was higher than expected, presumably due to deposits of insoluble metabolic products. All of the species examined displayed a capacity to chemically alter nonpolar nitrobenzene into both polar and insoluble products. Volatilization of nitrobenzene from the leaves was a major route of chemical loss.

5.10e+00

2.20e+01

7.00e-02

3.10e-01

1.40e-01

1.00e+03

2.00e-03

9.00e-03

Volatile

3.05e+03

3.80e+02

2.20e+03

7.00e+00

3.10e+01

1.40e+01

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

Nitrobenzene's production and use in the manufacture of aniline and other chemical compounds such as benzidine and quinoline, as a solvent, and in the manufacture of soaps and shoe polishes may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Nitrobenzene may also form in the atmosphere from the photochemical reaction of benzene with oxides of nitrogen. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.245 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates nitrobenzene will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase nitrobenzene 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 115 days. In the atmosphere, nitrobenzene should degrade primarily by photolysis (38% degradation in 5 hr). If released to soil, nitrobenzene is expected to have very high to moderate mobility based upon Koc values of 30.6 to 370. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 2.4X10-5 atm-cu m/mole. Nitrobenzene is expected to biodegrade under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions in both soil and water. Nitrobenzene had a half-life of 56 days in an aerobic soil column. Nitrobenzene was rapidly biodegraded after a lag phase of 70 to 85 days in an aerobic aquifer test done with groundwater and sediment from 8 locations over a 149 day incubation period. If released into water, nitrobenzene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon a Koc of 89 measured in river sediment. Nitrobenzene may be degraded in water by photolysis (a half-life of 133 days), by reaction with hydrated electrons in eutrophic lakes (a half-life of 22 days), or by reaction with sunlight and nitrate (a measured half-life of 11 hours). 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 44 hours and 17 days, respectively. BCF values of 1.47 to 28.32 suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Occupational exposure to nitrobenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where nitrobenzene is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to nitrobenzene via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion drinking water, and dermal contact. (SRC)

Nitrobenzene's production and use in the manufacture of aniline and other chemical compounds such as benzidine and quinoline(1), as a solvent(1), and in the manufacture of soaps and shoe polishes(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). In one plant, the loss of nitrobenzene in waste water totaled 0.09% and at another 2.0% of production(3). Nitrobenzene may also form in the atmosphere from the photochemical reaction of benzene with oxides of nitrogen(4).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 30.6(2) to 370(3), indicate that nitrobenzene is expected to have very high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of nitrobenzene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 2.4X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). Nitrobenzene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.245 mm Hg(5). Nitrobenzene had a half-life of 56 days in an aerobic soil column (sandy loam, pH 7.1)(6). An aerobic soil microcosm, planted with reed canary grass, was set up to mimic the fate of nitrobenzene in municipal wastewater applied to soil; >99.9% of the added nitrobenzene was removed during passage through the microcosm (<1% due to volatilization, <1% found in microcosm effluent)(7) suggesting that nitrobenzene is readily biodegraded(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), a measured Koc value of 89, determined for a river sediment(2), indicates that nitrobenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 2.4X10-5 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 44 hours and 17 days, respectively(SRC). The half-life of nitrobenzene in the Rhine River in The Netherlands was estimated as 1 day by measuring the concn reduction between sampling points(5). According to a classification scheme(6), 1.47(7), <10(8), 15(9), 6(10) and 28.32(11), measured in goldfish, golden orfe, fathead minnows, guppies, and carp, respectively, suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Nitrobenzene may be degraded in water by photolysis (a half-life of 133 days(1)), by reaction with hydrated electrons in eutrophic lakes (a half-life of 22 days(2)), or by reaction with sunlight and nitrate (a measured half-life of 11 hours(3-4)). Nitrobenzene, present in anaerobic sediments, is expected to be rapidly reduced by abiotic mechanisms(5). In model waste stabilization ponds that were continuously fed with a synthetic waste feedstock and retained for 12 days, 89.5% of the added nitrobenzene was degraded, 4.9% volatilized, 2.3% adsorbed to sediment, 2.3% was lost in effluent, and 1% remained in the water column(6). The biodegradation half-life in the pond was 3.8 days(6). Results of aerobic aqueous screening tests for nitrobenzene have results ranging from rapid degradation(7-9) to no degradation(10-12). Nitrobenzene was rapidly biodegraded after a lag phase of 70 to 85 days in an aerobic aquifer test done with groundwater and sediment from 8 locations over a 149 day incubation period(13).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), nitrobenzene, which has a vapor pressure of 0.245 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase nitrobenzene 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 115 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.4X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Nitrobenzene will degrade in the atmosphere primarily by photolysis (38% degradation in 5 hr in laboratory tests)(4). Atmospheric removal of nitrobenzene through hydroxyl addition results in the formation of dinitrobenzene, nitrophenols, and dicarbonyls as reaction products(5). Results of modeling studies and field experiments suggest that wet deposition will have little effect on nitrobenzene loss in plumes within kilometers of a source(6).

NITROBENZENE WAS DEGRADED BY ACTIVATED SLUDGE IN MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AT CONCN OF 400-600 G/CU M. ACTIVATED SLUDGE ADAPTED TO DEGRADATION OF HIGH PYRIDINE CONCN IS ALSO ABLE TO DECOMPOSE NITROBENZENE.

AEROBIC: In a 45-day soil column transport experiment in which a solution of nitrobenzene and other pollutants was passed through a column packed with Lincoln fine sand, 20-40% of the chemical was degraded(1). Nitrobenzene had a half-life of 56 days in an aerobic soil column (sandy loam, pH 7.1)(2). An aerobic soil microcosm, planted with reed canary grass, was set up to mimic the fate of nitrobenzene in municipal wastewater applied to soil; >99.9% of the added nitrobenzene was removed during passage through the microcosm (<1% due to volatilization, <1% found in microcosm effluent)(3) suggesting that this compound was readily biodegraded(SRC). Complete removal of nitrobenzene was obtained when Rhine River water underwent bank infiltration(4). The investigators ascribed the removal to microbial processes(4).

AEROBIC: Results of screening tests on nitrobenzene are conflicting with results ranging from rapid degradation to no degradation. These results include: 100% degradation in 7 days with a sewage inoculum(1); 98% removal after 5 days with activated sludge(2); 99.6 and 20% degradation after 6 days using municipal and industrial sewage seeds, respectively(3); 100% degradation in 10 days, including a 6 day lag(4); 0.4% mineralization in 5 days(5); no BOD removed after 5 days using a sewage seed(6,7); degradation resistant according to results of the MITI test, the biodegradation test of the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry(8); no degradation in 10 days with an activated sludge inoculum(9); degrades in >64 days using a soil inoculum(10); and 3.3% of the theoretical BOD reached in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum(11). Nitrobenzene was degraded by activated sludge in municipal wastewater at concn of 400-600 g/cu m(12). Activated sludge adapted to degradation of high pyridine concn is also able to decompose nitrobenzene(12). While many factors affect biodegradation such as concn of the test compound, inoculum, acclimation of the seed, environmental factors, and incubation time, no simple explanation for these disparate results is apparent(SRC). Several investigators have reported, however, that nitrobenzene is toxic to microorganisms at higher concentrations(13,14). Resistance to biodegradation is reportedly due to its insolubility in water and the presence of a nitro group on an aromatic ring(15).

AEROBIC: Nitrobenzene, initially at 447 ug/L, was substantially removed in a pilot-scale activated sludge system fed municipal wastewater; secondary effluent contained 32 ug/L nitrobenzene(1). A second similar system was fed nitrobenzene at 129 ug/L; secondary effluent contained 5 ug/L nitrobenzene(1). Influent to the Cedar Creek advanced wastewater treatment plant, containing nitrobenzene at 0.8 and 4.0 ug/L, showed a >94 and >99% removal of this compound following treatment(2). Nitrobenzene, initially present at 23 ppm was 70% biodegraded within 50 hours following an initial exposure to unacclimated sewage sludge; following a second exposure, nitrobenzene, initially present at 25 ppm required only 22 hours for complete degradation(3). Nitrobenzene was biodegraded in two aerobic bench-scale batch bioreactors using acclimated activated sludge; initial concentrations of nitrobenzene, 183 mg/L, were biodegraded to 6-7 mg/L within 5 hours(4). An overall removal of 97.8% was obtained in a completely mixed, continuous-flow activated sludge system with a 2-6 hr retention time after 1 month(5). All losses were ascribed to biodegradation(5). Nitrobenzene had a biodegradation rate of 14 mg/g hr in a 5 day test using activated sludge and an initial concn of 200 mg/L of theoretical oxygen demand(6).

For more Environmental Biodegradation (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Exposure of nitrobenzene and toluene to sunlight leads to the formation of a complex mixture ... of aniline, 4-aminophenol, azoxybenzene, and benzoic acid. Adsorption of nitrobenzene by humus could allow reactions of this compound. The most suitable hydrogen donors appear to be alkylaromatics that can form benzyl-type radicals, although aromatic hydrogens are also reported to be abstracted ... Suspended humus should have an abundance of reaction sites for the photoreduction of nitrobenzene.

Nitrobenzene absorbs UV light to about 400 nm(1) and can therefore undergo direct photolysis. In organic solvents containing abstractable H-atoms it undergoes photoreduction when irradiated with UV light(2-3). The presence of oxygen does not appear to affect the reaction rate(2-3). In one study using a petroleum solvent and light > 290 nm, 26% degraded in 5 hr with azobenzene and aniline being the main products formed(3). In near-surface pure water at 40 deg N latitude, the average annual photolytic half-life is 133 days(4). This long half-life is due to low quantum yield and sunlight adsorption rate(4-5). The photolysis of humic substances in natural water gives rise to hydrated electrons that can reduce organic compounds(6). The calculated half-life of nitrobenzene in a eutrophic Swiss lake due to this reaction is 22 days(6). In the Aucilla River in northern Florida, humic substances increased the photolysis rate by a factor of 1.4(7). Nitrate ions in water can promote the photochemical oxidation of trace organic substances through the production of hydroxyl radicals(7). In a clear, shallow body of water, rich in nitrate (14 mg nitrate-N/L), the half-life of nitrobenzene exposed to midsummer, midday sunlight is 11 hrs(7-8). Nitrobenzene is not expected to undergo abiotic hydrolysis reactions in water based on its structure(9). Nitrobenzene in the presence of juglone, lawsone, and iron porphyrin had mediated reduction rate constants of 7.9X10-2, 2.4, and 0.96/M-sec, respectively(10), suggesting that abiotic reduction in anaerobic sediments is rapid in the presence of reducing agents(SRC).

When nitrobenzene was photolyzed in air, 38% degradation occurred in 5 hr, producing o- and p-nitrophenol(1). When absorbed on silica gel and irradiated with light >290 nm, 6.7% mineralization occurred in 17 hr(2). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of nitrobenzene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 1.40X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 115 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(3). Nitrobenzene reacts with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals in the vapor phase resulting in a half-life of 125 days in the clean troposphere and 62 days in a moderately polluted atmosphere(4). Under atmospheric conditions, the reaction with ozone will be of negligible importance(4). In smog chamber experiments, nitrobenzene has low reactivity and also doesn't contribute to ozone production(5,6). An upper limit of <1X10-20 cu cm/mol-sec was reported for the reaction of nitrobenzene with ozone(7).

The BCF of nitrobenzene in golden orfe (Leuciscus idus melanotus) was <10 in a 3 day static test(1). In a 28 day flow through test using fathead minnows, the BCF was 15(2). Another investigator obtained a BCF of 6 in fish (Poecilia reticulata)(3) and the bioconcentration test of the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry report a BCF of <10(4). A BCF of 3.31 was also reported in unspecified fish(5). No biomagnification of nitrobenzene was observed in an aquatic ecosystem containing algae, daphnia magna, mosquito larvae, snails, and mosquito fish(6). BCF values of 3.1-4.8 and 1.6-7.7 were measured in carp (Cyprinus carpio) at concentrations of 0.125 and 0.0125 mg/L nitrobenzene, respectively, in a 6 week flow through test(7). In a 3 day static test using guppies, a BCF value of 2.4 was measured(8). Nitrobenzene had an uptake efficiency (defined as the ratio of the flux of chemical into the fish to the flux of chemical into the gill compartment) of 0.26 in rainbow trout(9). Nitrobenzene had a lipid based BCF of 28.32 in carp(10). A BCF of 1.47 was determined for goldfish (Carassius auratus)(11). In green algae (Chlorella fusca), a BCF of 24 was obtained(1). According to a classification scheme(12), these BCFs suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The leachability of nitrobenzene was studied in three typical Norwegian soils, one which was sandy with a low organic content, and two organic soils(1). The resulting Koc and retardation factor for the sandy soil were 30.6 and 1.27, while for the two organic soils the Koc values were 42.8 and 69.6 and the retardation factors 3.36 and 5.52(1). Koc values for two Danish subsoils were 170 and 370(2). When a mixture of pollutants, including nitrobenzene, in spring water was added to a column of Lincoln fine sand over a 45 day period, the retardation factor of nitrobenzene was 1.9(3). The Koc calculated from this experiment was 200(3). The sorption of nitrobenzene on two soils, a Captina silt loam (pH 4.97; 1.49% organic carbon) and a McLaurin sandy loam (pH 4.43; 0.66% organic carbon) was measured in the presence of a mixture of 16 organic chemicals; Koc values for nitrobenzene of 89 and 105.6 were measured for the Captina and McLaurin soils, respectively(4). Koc values of 89 and 100 were measured in river sediment (6.5-16.9% organic matter) and coal wastewater pond sediment (52% organic matter), respectively(5). Other reported Koc values for nitrobenzene were 158(6), 36(7), 156(8), 100(9), 62-74 to particulate organic matter and 34-38 to dissolved organic matter(10). According to a classification scheme(11), these measured Koc values suggest that nitrobenzene has very high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC).

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U169, F004, and D036 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Nitrobenzene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Incineration (1800 °F, 2.0 sec minimum) with scrubbing for nitrogen oxide abatement.

A potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.

A comparison was made of various methods for treating petrochemical wastewater. Among these are wet air oxidation, carbon adsorption, chemical oxidation, and biological treatment. Among the biological treatment methods are stripping of volatile organic carbon, sorption on biomass, and biodegradation. Nitrobenzene was among the priority pollutants commonly present in oil refinery wastewater which show >95% biodegradation.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for NITROBENZENE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Fire or Explosion: Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Health: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas.

/GUIDE 152: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Combustible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

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

UN 1662; Nitrobenzene

IMO 6.1; Nitrobenzene

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.

Usual shipping containers: Glass or polyethylene bottles, carboys, polyethylene-lined drums. Metal cans, pails, drums.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: T, N; R: 23/24/25-40-48/23/24-51/53-62; S: (1/2)-28-36/37-45-61

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II