Biphenyl (1,1-biphenyl): Health effects
Description
Workers exposed to biphenyl fumes for short periods of time have experienced nausea, vomiting, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, and bronchitis. These acute effects are not likely to occur at levels of biphenyl that are normally found in the environment.
Breathing small amounts of biphenyl over long periods has caused damage to the liver and nervous system of exposed workers. Other human health effects associated with exposure to small amounts of biphenyl over long periods are not known. Laboratory studies show that repeat exposure to large amounts of biphenyl by ingestion damages the kidney and blood, and reduces growth and life expectancy of animals. Limited evidence suggests that repeat exposure to biphenyl dust adversely affects the respiratory tract of laboratory animals.
TWA: 0.2 ppm 1.3 mg/m3
Entering the body
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.
Exposure
You may be exposed to biphenyl if you live near an industrial site where biphenyl is used, or a waste dump where it has been discarded. At these sites, biphenyl may be carried in the air on dust particles. If you work in an industry that produces the chemical unintentionally as a by-product or uses biphenyl, you may also be exposed to biphenyl particles or dust particles that carry biphenyl and possibly get it on your skin.
Exposure to biphenyl can occur through eating citrus fruits that have been wrapped in paper impregnated with biphenyl.
Exposure to biphenyl can also occur through contact with biphenyl-contaminated soil, dust particles, or industrial releases into the environment.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia:
Maximum 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure: 0.2 ppm.
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