# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Benzyl chloride | CAS 100-44-7
C6H5CH2Cl | RTECS XS8925000
Synonyms & Trade Names Chloromethylbenzene, alpha-Chlorotoluene | DOT ID & Guide 1738 156
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: C 1 ppm (5 mg/m3) [15-minute]
OSHA PEL: TWA 1 ppm (5 mg/m3)
IDLH 10 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 5.18 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a pungent, aromatic odor.
MW: 126.6 | BP: 354°F | FRZ: -38°F | Sol: 0.05%
VP: 1 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr: 1.10
Fl.P: 153°F | UEL: ? | LEL: 1.1% |
Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Oxidizers, acids, copper, aluminum, magnesium, iron, zinc, tin [Note: Can polymerize when in contact with all common metals except nickel & lead. Hydrolyzes in H2O to benzyl alcohol.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1003; OSHA 7
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: No recommendation Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 10 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor and acid gas cartridge(s)*/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor and acid gas canister/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor and acid gas cartridge(s)*/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (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 (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor and acid gas canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, nose; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); irritability; headache; skin eruption; pulmonary edema
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION