Cumene (1-methylethylbenzene): Environmental effects
Description
Cumene evaporates when exposed to air. In the air it is reacted quickly into other chemicals, in the water and soil bacteria break it down. It has moderate acute (short-term) toxicity on aquatic life, and high acute toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to predict the toxicity of cumene to plants and land animals. It has moderate chronic (long-term) toxicity to aquatic life. Cumene is expected to minimally bioaccumulate.
Entering the environment
Industrial emissions of cumene can produce elevated concentrations in the atmosphere around the source. Because of its short life expectancy in the atmosphere cumene is expected to be confined to the local area within which it is emitted. Cumene that makes its way into the ground, and does not evaporate, is degraded in the water with in days. Because cumene is used in many consumer products , and found in tobacco smoke, short-term indoor concentrations may be elevated above the levels considered safe for workers.
Where it ends up
Cumene evaporates to a gas if released as a liquid. It will break down in the air in a few days into other chemicals (isopropylphenols). In the water (very little will enter the water) bacteria will break it down in three to ten days. Cumene is a volatile organic chemical (VOC) and will contribute to the formation of smog.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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