Benzene (C6H6)

Benzene:


Other Names

  

Chemical Formula

C6H6

CAS Number

71 - 43 - 2

Industry Uses

Rubbers, Lubricants, Dyes, Detergents, Drugs, Explosives, and Pesticides

Health Risks

Cancer

Vapor Pressure

12.7 kPa (25 °C)
24.4 kPa (40 °C)
181 kPa (100 °C

Water Solubility

Reacts with Water

Flammability

Non-Flammable

Odor

Sweet Aromatic

 

What is Benzene:

Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a planar ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each. Because it contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms, benzene is classed as a hydrocarbon. Benzene is a natural constituent of petroleum and is one of the elementary petrochemicals. Due to the cyclic continuous pi bonds between the carbon atoms, benzene is classed as an aromatic hydrocarbon. Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell, and is partially responsible for the aroma of gasoline. It is used primarily as a precursor to the manufacture of chemicals with more complex structure, such as ethylbenzene and cumene, of which billions of kilograms are produced annually. Although benzene is a major industrial chemical, it finds limited use in consumer items because of its toxicity. Benzene is a volatile organic compound.

Benzene Exposure and Health Risks:

Benzene is classified as a carcinogen, which increases the risk of cancer and other illnesses, and is also a notorious cause of bone marrow failure. Substantial quantities of epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data link benzene to aplastic anemia, acute leukemia, bone marrow abnormalities and cardiovascular disease. The specific hematologic malignancies that benzene is associated with include: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Regulations:

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Limit/Level

Type

Organization

0.50 ppm

AEGL-1 (8 hrs)

EPA

6.7 ppm

AEGL-2 (8 hrs)

EPA

11 ppm

AEGL-3 (8 hrs)

EPA

5 ppm

C

OSHA

1 ppm

Short Term

NIOSH

Sources: NIOSH, OSHA, EPA

Measuring Benzene:

Benzene concentration in the air can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). Many of our products have digital communication capabilities for easy monitoring and control. Benzene monitoring is important in understanding environmental assessments, planning transportation, and making decisions regarding air pollution management. We carry portable and fixed Benzene monitors and kits. All of our Benzene products can be viewed HERE.

What type of component are you looking for?

Handheld Calibration Gas: 

Calibration Services:

 

All sensors require a yearly calibration to ensure your gas measurements are accurate and performing within manufacturer standards. This page is desiccated to the individual manufacturers we represent and their specific calibration procedures. 

**Calibration Service Request Form **

Calibration Costs:

Calibration costs do vary, see below to get an estimate: 

Calibration Fee: $150

Analyzer Calibration Fee: $300

PM Calibration Sensor Fee: $330

Genie Calibration Fee: $265

ATI Calibration Fee: $205

** note that prices are subject to change per labor and parts required.

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