| hazards summary | Aniline is a clear to slightly yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. It does not readily evaporate at room temperature. Aniline is slightly soluble in water and mixes readily with most organic solvents. Aniline is used to make a wide variety of products such as polyurethane foam, agricultural chemicals, synthetic dyes, antioxidants, stabilizers for the rubber industry, herbicides, varnishes and explosivesExposure to aniline may occur from breathing contaminated outdoor air, smoking tobacco, or working or being near industries where it is produced or used. The acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects of aniline in humans consist mainly of effects on the lung, such as upper respiratory tract irritation and congestion. Chronic exposure may also result in effects on the blood. Human cancer data are insufficient to conclude that aniline is a cause of bladder tumors while animal studies indicate that aniline causes tumors of the spleen. EPA has classified aniline as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.Skin contamination is the most common route of occupational exposure. Proper plant design and strict industrial hygiene are necessary to prevent spills and clothing contamination. Listed in a table of Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity. A severe eye irritant. Mild symptoms of methemoglobinemia have been reported after several hours exposure to 7-53 ppm. See 2021 (Volume 127) monograph at IARC.The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of aniline stem from its toxicologic properties and flammability. Exposure to this colorless-to-brown oily liquid may occur from its use as a solvent and as a chemical intermediate. Toxic by all routes (ie, ingestion, inhalation, skin contact), aniline can exert effects including contact burns to the skin and eyes, cyanosis, headache, nausea, cardiac arrhythmias, shock, and death. The ACGIH recommends a workplace limit (TLV) of 2 ppm as an 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA) with a note to prevent skin contact. Compliance with the TLV should be accomplished by conducting aniline reactions in closed vessels and by employing general and local exhaust ventilation, as necessary. The aromatic amine-like odor of aniline may warn of its presence at a sub-TLV level of 1 ppm. however, to assure against exposure, it is recommended that workers involved with aniline (including firefighters) wear a full facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus, and wear full protective clothing (including rubber gloves and boots). Further precautions include provision of eyewash stations and safety showers, prohibition of eating and smoking in aniline work areas, and the prompt removal of aniline-soaked clothing. While aniline must be heated before ignition will occur (autoignition temp: 615 °C), its vapor can be ignited explosively in a wide range of concentrations (explosive limits: 1.3% to 25%) by sparks or flames (flash point: 70 °C, closed cup). For fires involving aniline, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fog, or foam. From a distance, use water spray to knock down vapor and cool containers. Dike fire control water to prevent pollution and explosion hazards in sewers. Aniline should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventillated location, away from sources of ignition, strong oxidizers, and activities which could cause physical damage to aniline containers. While aniline is shipped in a variety of containers including glass bottles, cans, drums, tank vehicles, tank cars, and tank barges, specific safety design features are required for such containers by the DOT. The poison label is used on containers shipped by rail and air (shipment is prohibited on passenger planes). Take up small spills of aniline with vermiculite, dry sand, or earth and place into containers for later disposal. Very small spills may be absorbed on paper towels and allowed to evaporate in a fume hood. Large spills on land should be contained in excavated pits, ponds, or other holding area and any surface flow diked with soil or sandbags. Water mist may be needed to knock down vapor. Apply universal gelling agent to immobilize the spill and absorb the bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder. Large water spills may need to be trapped at the bottom with sandbag barriers, treated with activated carbon, and then the immobilized masses removed by mechanical dredges or lifts. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult environmental regulatory agencies for guidance. |