Aniline, also known as phenylamine or aminobenzene, is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₅NH₂. It has a phenyl group attached to an amino group, making it an aromatic amine. Aniline has a distinct unpleasant odour like rotten fish. It burns with a smoky flame and changes from colourless to reddish-brown as it oxidises with air exposure. Aniline does not evaporate easily, is slightly soluble in water, and mixes well with most organic solvents.
What is Aniline used for?
Aniline is a key chemical in many industries, used for:
Making rubber accelerators and antioxidants
Producing dyes, pigments, and intermediates
Photographic chemicals
Isocyanates for urethane foams
Pharmaceuticals and explosives
Petroleum refining
Manufacturing diphenylamine, phenolics, herbicides, and fungicides
Producing polyurethanes, fibers, and rubber processing chemicals
Aniline is used for photographic chemicals.
Sources & Routes of Exposure
Sources of Exposure
Aniline exposure can occur from various sources:
Environmental Sources:
Breakdown of certain pollutants in outdoor air
Burning of plastics and tobacco
Volatile emissions from industrial operations
Occupational Sources:
Industries using aniline in the production of chemicals
Food & Water:
Trace amounts in corn, grains, rhubarb, apples, beans, and rapeseed cake (animal feed)
Detected as a volatile component in black tea
Present in some surface and drinking water
Routes of Exposure
The primary ways aniline can enter the body include:
Inhalation: Breathing in vapours from contaminated air
Dermal Contact: Absorption through the skin
Ingestion: Consuming contaminated food or water
Health Effect
Acute Effects
Inhalation exposure to high levels of aniline can cause:
Lung effects, such as upper respiratory tract irritation and congestion
Classified as highly toxic in humans, with a probable lethal dose of 50 to 500 mg/kg body weight
Short-term animal tests show high acute toxicity
Chronic Effects
Methemoglobinemia: A condition affecting the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to cyanosis (bluish skin)
Irritation: Severe effects on mucous membranes, eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract
Absorption: Significant absorption through the skin
Animal Studies: Dose-related decreases in red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and hematocrit
Reference Concentration (RfC) for aniline: 0.001 mg/m³ based on spleen toxicity in rats
Reproductive/Developmental Effects
No conclusive data for humans
Animal studies show:
Birth defects in mice exposed to aniline
Decreased total number of offspring
Increased mortality among pregnant mice and offspring
Carcinogenicity
Human Studies:
Insufficient evidence linking aniline directly to bladder tumours
Animal Studies:
Increased spleen tumours in rats exposed to aniline hydrochloride
EPA Classification: Probable human carcinogen (Group B2)
Aniline Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact:
Remove any contact lenses immediately.
Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Cold water may be used.
Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Flush skin immediately with plenty of water.
Cover irritated skin with an emollient.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
Seek medical attention.
Serious Skin Contact:
Wash with disinfectant soap.
Apply an antibacterial cream.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation:
Move the victim to fresh air.
If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
If not breathing, perform artificial respiration.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Serious Inhalation:
Evacuate the victim to a safe area.
Loosen tight clothing (collar, tie, or belt).
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
WARNING: Avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when the material inhaled is toxic or corrosive.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion:
Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Never give anything orally to an unconscious person.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Handling & Storage
Precautions
Keep locked up and away from heat or ignition sources.
Ground all equipment handling the material.
Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin/eye contact.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and respiratory equipment if ventilation is insufficient.
Seek medical advice if ingestion occurs, showing the container/label.
Avoid incompatible substances like oxidisers, metals, acids, and alkalis.
Storage
Store in a light-resistant container.
Keep in a cool, well-ventilated space.
Ensure the container is tightly sealed until use.
Avoid ignition sources (spark or flame).
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use exhaust ventilation to maintain vapour levels below permissible limits.
Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are available.
Personal Protection
For General Handling:
Splash goggles
Lab coat
Vapour respirator (certified or approved type)
Gloves
For Large Spills:
Full suit
Splash goggles
Vapour respirator
Boots and gloves
Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent inhalation
Note: Always consult a safety specialist for proper protective measures before handling large quantities.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for aniline:
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for aniline of 2 ppm, 7.6 mg/m³ TWA; Skin; Appendix A3, Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with Unknown Relevance to Humans; BEI
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has listed aniline as a Potential Occupational Carcinogen.
Australia
Safe Australia: Safe work Australia has set the following exposure limits for aniline:
As scientists who evolve with technology we treat innovation as a way of life, a life we dedicate to improvement and advancement of Safety, Health and Environment.
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