Benzene Calibration Gas

Benzene (C₆H₆) – Calibration Gas

Benzene (C₆H₆):A Microscopic Diamond

Benzene is an organic chemical compound and its typically found in slight amounts in petrol and crude oil. It has six carbon atoms that are arranged in a ring-like diamond pattern. It is a diamond like structure but you will need a microscope to observe it. Benzene is colorless or light yellow when at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is responsible for the fragrance present at gas stations. It is highly flammable and responds quickly to sparks. Volcanic eruptions, wild-fires, cigarette smoke and exhaust gases from vehicles are some of the most common sources of Benzene. It can be metabolized in extremely small amounts in liver and be excreted through urine however, even a tiny exposure is toxic and long-term effects can lead to leukemia.

Also known as: Benzene is a combination of carbon and hydrogen atoms in ring form. Its other names and names of other compounds it acts as a parent for are: Benzol, Cyclohexatriene, Toluene, Xylene, Styrene

Exposure Limits

In water

The ideal condition of water contamination is zero however, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is five parts per billion or 5 ppb, as imposed by United States Environmental Protection Agency.

In air

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted the safe limit of Benzene in air as one parts per million parts of air (1 ppm) during Time Weighted Average (TWA) which is 8-hour workday and 40-hour week. The short-term exposure limit or STEL is 5ppm which is the exposure for 15 minutes. The exposure to 500ppm is considered immediately dangerous and this value has been set so worker can urgently remove himself from the environment in case of respiratory equipment failure.

For the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for benzene is 0.5ppm TWA and 2.5 ppm STEL.

Exposure	OSHA	ACGIH
TWA	1 ppm	0.5 ppm
STEL	5 ppm	2.5 ppm

Health Effects of Exposure to Benzene

Benzene is a cancer-causing agent, otherwise known as a carcinogen. The risk of exposure to 1ppm of Benzene for a lifetime of working has been approximated to 5 employee deaths per 1,000 employees exposed. It has several harmful effects that are listed as:

Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Anemia: A lack of sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Loss of white blood cells.
Irregular menstrual periods in some women.
In animals, Benzene exposure affected the child of pregnant mothers by:
Bone marrow damage,
Delayed born formation and
Low birth weights.

Common Symptoms

Breathing

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Irregular heartbeat
Unconsciousness
Death (major exposure)

Eating or Drinking

Nausea
Vomiting
Irritation in the stomach
Dizziness
Irregular heartbeat
Death (major exposure)

Other than these symptoms, Benzene can cause tissue injury and irritation if exposed to the skins, eyes, or lungs.

Uses of Benzene (C₆H₆)

Benzene has many industrial applications, and it has been a part of manufacturing world since the early 20^th century. When Benzene is added in gasoline it improves octane rating which reduces knocking of engine. Knocking results in inefficient combustion of fuel and produces shockwaves that damage the engine. It was replaced by Tetraethyl Lead in mid-20^th century. However, it made its return when leaded fuel was phased out due to toxicity. Benzene has now been substituted by Toluene (methyl benzene) which is similar in structure and properties but less toxic.

Our standard turn around time to fill your order is 2-4 business days, custom gas may take longer, plus shipping. Our office is closed on weekends. Note: Once the gas has shipped, you are not able to cancel the order - All sales final.

Please use our calibration gases for testing and in a safe manner. Read and follow all Safety Data Sheets (SDS's) before use. Read label before use. Keep out of reach of children. If medical advice is needed, have a product container or label at hand. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure.