NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards -

Benzidine (original) (raw)

Synonyms & Trade Names

Benzidine-based dyes, 4,4'-Bianiline, 1,1'-Biphenyl-4,4'-diamine, 4,4'-Biphenyldiamine, 4,4'-Diaminobiphenyl, p-Diaminodiphenyl [Note: Benzidine has been used as a basis for many dyes.]

Physical Description

Grayish-yellow, reddish-gray, or white crystalline powder. [Note: Darkens on exposure to air and light.]

Combustible Solid, but difficult to burn.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Exposure Routes

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

hematuria (blood in the urine); secondary anemia from hemolysis; acute cystitis; acute liver disorders; dermatitis; painful, irreg urination; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Target Organs

Bladder, skin, kidneys, liver, blood

Cancer Site

[liver, kidney & bladder cancer]

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
**Skin:**Prevent skin contact
**Eyes:**Prevent eye contact
**Wash skin:**When contaminated/Daily
**Remove:**When wet or contaminated
**Change:**Daily
**Provide:**Eyewash, Quick drench

First Aid

(See procedures)
**Eye:**Irrigate immediately
**Skin:**Soap wash immediately
**Breathing:**Respiratory support
**Swallow:**Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

(See Appendix E)

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.

Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection