Benzene (data page)
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Material Safety Data Sheet for benzene:
| Common synonyms | None |
| Physical properties | Form: colorless liquid |
| Stability: Stable, but very flammable | |
| Melting point: 5.5 C | |
| Water solubility: negligible | |
| Specific gravity: 0.87 | |
| Principal hazards | *** Benzene is a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). |
| *** Very flammable. The pure material, and any solutions containing it, constitute a fire risk. | |
| Safe handling | Benzene should NOT be used at all unless no safer alternatives are available. |
| If benzene must be used in an experiment, it should be handled at all stages in a fume cupboard. | |
| Wear safety glasses and use protective gloves. | |
| Emergency | Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten minutes |
| and call for immediate medical help. | |
| Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the skin | |
| reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid. | |
| If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help. | |
| Disposal | It is dangerous to try to dispose of benzene by washing it down a sink, since it is toxic, will |
| and presents a fire risk. It is probable that trying to dispose of benzene in this way will also break local | |
| environmental rules. Instead, retain in a safe place in the laboratory (well away from any source of ignition) | |
| for disposal with other flammable, non-chlorinated solvents. | |
| Protective equipment | Safety glasses. If gloves are worn, PVA, butyl rubber and viton are suitable materials. |
