| precautionary statement codes | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P264, P264+P265, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P305+P354+P338, P317, P321, P331, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P235, P405, and P501 |
| hazards summary | Volunteers complain of severe eye irritation and lacrimation at 2000 ppm. An irritant. Effects in high-dose animal studies include general anesthesia and liver changes. The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 1,4-diethylbenzene stem from its toxicologic properties and flammability. Exposure to this colorless, aromatic-smelling liquid may occur through dermal contact or inhalation at places where it is produced or used as a plasticizer, solvent, chemical intermediate in the manufacture of divinylbenzene, or in powderless etching. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes. In activities and situations where over-exposure may occur, wear a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. If contact should occur, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes, and wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Contaminated clothing and shoes should be removed at the site. 1,4-Diethylbenzene may be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Also, containers of this substance may explode in the heat of a fire. Its heavier-than-air vapor may travel to a source of ignition and flash back, or accumulate to explosive concentrations in confined spaces such as sewers. For fires involving 1,4-diethylbenzene, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fog, or standard foam. Isolate the area for 1/2 mile in all directions if a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in the fire. Small spills of 1,4-diethylbenzene may be taken up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent and placed into containers for later disposal. For a large spill, use water spray to reduce the vapor, and dike far ahead of the spill to prevent runoff. |
