Ethylbenzene

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Type of information:

other: publication

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

1930

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: While the observation are considered valid the usefulness of this information is diminished by lack of information on purity of the test sample which was described as a commercial product. There was also no analysis for the test atmosphere.

Cross-reference

Cross-reference 1

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Cross-reference 2

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to other study

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Acute response of guinea pigs to vapours of some new commercial organic compounds II Ethylbenzene

Author:

Yant, W. P.; Schrenk, H.H.; Waite, C.P.; Patty, F.A.

Year:

1930

Bibliographic source:

Publ. Health Res. 45:1241-1250

Materials and methods

Type of study / information:

Sensory irritation

Endpoint addressed:

eye irritation

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline available

Principles of method if other than guideline:

no guideline available

GLP compliance:

not specified

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Ethylbenzene

EC Number:

202-849-4

EC Name:

Ethylbenzene

Cas Number:

100-41-4

Molecular formula:

C8H10

IUPAC Name:

ethylbenzene

Details on test material:

No data

Method

Ethical approval:

not specified

Details on study design:

No data

Exposure assessment:

not specified

Details on exposure:

No data

Results and discussion

Results:

Three observers upon entering a 0.5% (5000 ppm) mixture of ethylbenzene with air found the atmosphere intoler-able, being extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. It was the opinion of the men exposed to the vapours of ethylbenzene that a 0.2% (2000 ppm) concentration of vapour would give ample warning and would not be tolerated; and that 0.5% (5000 ppm) would have sufficient irritating properties to render working in this atmosphere impossible.

Any other information on results incl. tables

None

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

Three observers upon entering a 0.5% (5000 ppm) mixture of ethylbenzene with air found the atmosphere intolerable, being extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. It was the opinion of the men exposed to the vapours of ethylbenzene that a 0.2% (2000 ppm) concentration of vapour would give ample warning and would not be tolerated; and that 0.5% (5000 ppm) would have sufficient irritating properties to render working in this atmosphere impossible.

Executive summary:

Ethylbenzene (no data on purity described as a commercial product) was tested for sensory irritation in humans. Six men breathing 0.1% (1000 ppm) vapour in air found the atmosphere very irritating to the eyes, producing a sensation of smarting and burning, accompanied by profuse lacrimation. This irritation gradually decreased on continued exposure until, after a minute or two, it was scarcely notable. Two men upon leaving and returning to the chamber noticed no eye irritation. It was the opinion of the observers that this atmosphere could be tolerated after the first few minutes. The same six observers found 0.2% (2000 ppm) vapour almost intolerable on first entering the chamber, although it became less irritating upon continued exposure. One observer stayed five minutes and found that the irritation to the eyes and throat gradually disappeared, but vertigo developed. Exposure to 0.2% (2000 ppm) was accompanied by throat irritation and a feeling of constriction in the chest. Four observers exposed six minutes while a concentration of 0.2% (2000 ppm) was "built up" noticed a moderate nasal irritation and a moderate to strong eye irritation. All complained about dizziness upon leaving the atmosphere. Three observers upon entering a 0.5% (5000 ppm) mixture of ethylbenzene with air found the atmosphere intoler-able, being extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. It was the opinion of the men exposed to the vapours of ethylbenzene that a 0.2% (2000 ppm) concentration of vapour would give ample warning and would not be tolerated; and that 0.5% (5000 ppm) would have sufficient irritating properties to render working in this atmosphere impossible.