Abstract
The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated nitrobenzene (CAS No 98‐95‐3) in 2016, considering aniline released from aniline‐haemoglobin conjugate to characterize the internal exposure and the methaemoglobin formation as critical effect.
After inhalative exposure, high nitrobenzene concentrations cause adenomas and carcinomas in liver, kidney and thyroid in rats as well as lung and mamma in mice. A MAK value of 0.1 ml nitrobenzene/m3 was established. For the haemoglobin adduct of nitrobenzene, a BLW (biological guidance value) of 100 µg aniline (released from aniline‐haemoglobin conjugate)/l blood corresponding to a methaemoglobin formation of 5 % was evaluated based on field studies.
Leng, G