Ethylbenzene Fact Sheet

Source of Exposure

Ethylbenzene is used for industrial purposes in solvent applications, as a chemical intermediate for paint, laquer thinners, styrene production, and as an anti-knock additive for gasoline. The primary route of exposure is through the inhalation of vapors. Exposure may also occur by absorption through the skin.

Symptoms

The clinical profile for ethylbenzene is similar to other aromatic chemicals with the major effects on the central nervous system. Ethylbenzene has been linked with skin irritation, corneal erosion, pulmonary edema,,and toxic hepatitis.

Blood Concentrations

Ethylbenzene is found in the blood of the general population of 1.3 PPB. (EHS data) Currently, there is limited information on serum levels of ethylbenzene in workers. The current Threshold Limit Value is PPB in air.

Toxic Levels

Limited information indicates that air concentrations of 1,000,000 PPB can produce irritation of the earl, nose, and throat. Higher concentrations of 2,000,000 PPB can cause depression of the central nervous system. Individuals who have been sensitized may manifest negative health effects at concentrations well within the ranges considered safe for the average population. (See Chemically Hypersensitive Patients.)

Metabolism

Following exposure, the majority of ethylbenzene is metabolized in the body into mandelic acid. Only a small portion is excreted and exhaled unchanged.

Summary

Classification:   Aromatic Solvent
Population Average:   1.3 PPB (whole blood)
Threshold Limit Value:   100,000 PPB (air)
Onset of Symptoms:   Data not available
Death:   Data not available
Half-Life:   Data not available
LD 5O:   (oral-rat) 3,5OO mg/kg

References

Alessio, L. , Berlin, A. , Roi, R. , and Boni, M. (Eds. ) Human biological monitoring of industrial chemicals series, Luxemberg, Commission of European Communities, 1983.

Bardodej, Z. and Bardodejova, E., "Biltransformation of ethylbenzene, styrene, and alphamethylstyrene in man," Am. Ind. Hyg. Asso.J. 31:206-209, 1970.

Baselt, R.D. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 2nd Ed. Davis, CA: Biomedical Publications, 1982.

Clayton, G.D. and Clayton, F.E., Patty's Industrial Hygiene and ToxicoloU , vol 2B, 3rd ed., Wiley-Inter ' science, New York, 1981.

Doull, J. et al., Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, 2nd ed., Macmillan, New York, 1980.

Dutch Association of Safety Experts, Dutch Chemical Industry Association, and Dutch Safety Institute, Handling Chemicals Safely, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1980.

Last, J.L., Maxcy-Rosenau Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 11th ed., Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1980.

Mackison, F.W., et al., Eds. NIOSH/OSHA Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards,Publication No. 81-1231, Washington, D.C. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, January, 1981.

Piotrowski,J.K. Exposure Tests for Organic Compounds in IndustrialToxicology, U.S. Government Printing Off ice, Washington, D.C. , 1977,pp. 58-59.

Plunkett, E.R. , Handbook of Industrial Toxicology, Chemical Publishing Co. , New York, 1976.

Sax, N.I., Ed., Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials Report, 2, No. 6, 57-60,, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1982.

Seba, D. B., Milam, M. J. and Laseter, J. L. "Uptake, measurement and elimination of synthetic chemicals by man", in Brostoff, J. and Challacombe, S.J. (Eds) Food Allergy and Intolerance, London: Bailliere Tindall, 1987.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ethylbenzene: Ambient Water Quality Criteria, Washington, D.C., 1980.

United Nations Environmental Programme, IRPTC Legal File, 1983, Vol 1,pp VII/84-6,Geneva, Switzerland, International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals, 1984.

Van Roosmalen, P.B. and Drummond, I., "Simultaneous determination by gas chromatography of the major metabolites in urine of toluene, xylenes and styrene," Brit.J.Ind.Med. 35: 56-60, 1978.