Cumene

Synonyms

(1-Methylethyl)benzene; 2-Fenilpropano [Italian]; 2-Fenyl-propaan [Dutch]; 2-Phenylpropane; Benzene, isopropyl; CUMENE; Cumeen [Dutch]; Cumol; Isopropilbenzene [Italian]; Isopropyl-benzol [German]; Isopropylbenzeen [Dutch]; Isopropylbenzene; Isopropylbenzol; Propane, 2-phenyl; [ChemIDplus] UN1918

Category

Aromatic Solvents

Description

Colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating, aromatic odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

"In occupational settings, the main route of exposure to cumene is via inhalation during cumene manufacturing, processing, and use, primarily in the manufacture of phenol and acetone." [ACGIH]

Comments

Liver toxicity occurs in mice inhaling 500-1000 ppm daily for 17 days. TLV Basis is upper respiratory tract adenoma and neurological effects. [ACGIH] Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Fatty liver changes are noted in animals exposed to lethal doses; [HSDB]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

5 ppm

50 ppm

10 ppm

900 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Daily exposures of rats to 500 ppm for 5 months resulted in no significant blood changes, although hyperemia and congestion were noted in the lungs, liver, and kidneys [Clayton and Clayton 1981].

4.5 mm Hg

0.008 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.13 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 8,000 ppm/4H

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% LEL (lower explosive limit); Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.032 ppm); Flash point = 39 deg C;

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)