Aniline (benzenamine): Health effects
Description
Short-term exposure to the substance irritates the eyes, and may cause effects on the blood: methaemoglobinaemia, resulting in cyanosis, brain damage and kidney failure. It is potentially lethal to humans.
Long-term or repeated exposure may have effects on the liver, kidneys, blood and spleen: methemoglobanaemia (see short-term exposure). Aniline (benzenamine) is a probable carcinogen.
It does not remain in the body due to its breakdown and removal. Aniline is a possible reproductive hazard.
Entering the body
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of the vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.
Exposure
Aniline can be formed from the breakdown of certain pollutants found in outdoor air, from the burning of plastics, or from burning tobacco. Airborne exposure to aniline may occur from breathing contaminated air, from smoking tobacco or proximity to someone who is smoking, or from being near industrial sources that use large quantities of aniline.
Occupational exposure to aniline could occur in industries that use aniline to make other chemicals.
Small amounts of aniline may be found in some foods, such as corn, grains, rhubarb, apples, beans, and rapeseed cake (animal feed). Aniline has also been found as a volatile component of black tea. Aniline has been detected in drinking water and has also been found in surface water.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia
TWA: 2 ppm 7.6 mg/m<3
STEL: not given in Worksafe Australia.
Aniline and aniline oil
Harmful: concentration cut-off level: 0.2 % weight/weight
Toxic: concentration cut-off level:1 % weight/weight
Aniline salts
Harmful: concentration cut-off level: 3 % weight/weight
Toxic: concentration cut-off level: 25 % weight/weight
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