United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
Regulations and Standards
Criteria and Standards Division
Washington DC 20460
EPA 440/5-60-048
October 1980
Ambient
Water Quality
Criteria for
Ethylbenzene

-------
      AMBIENT WATER QUALITY CRITERIA FOR

               ETHYLBENZENE
                 Prepared By
    U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

  Office of Water Regulations and Standards
       Criteria and Standards Division
              Washington, D.C.

    Office of Research and Development
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
              Cincinnati, Ohio

        Carcinogen Assessment Group
             Washington, D.C.

    Environmental Research Laboratories
             Corvails, Oregon
             Duluth, Minnesota
           Gulf Breeze, Florida
        Narragansett, Rhode Island

-------
                              DISCLAIMER
      This  report  has been reviewed by the  Environmental  Criteria and
Assessment Office, U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency,  and approved
for publication.  Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
                          AVAILABILITY  NOTICE
      This  document 1s available  to  the public through  the National
Technical Information Service, (NTIS), Springfield, Virginia  22161.

-------
                               FOREWORD

    Section 304  (a)(l)  of the Clean Water Act  of 1977 (P.L. 95-217),
requires the  Administrator  of the Environmental  Protection  Agency to
publish  criteria for water  quality accurately reflecting  the latest
scientific knowledge on the  kind  and extent of all Identifiable effects
on  health  and  welfare which may  be  expected from  the presence  of
pollutants 1n any body of water, Including ground water.  Proposed water
quality criteria  for the  65  toxic pollutants  listed under section 307
(a)(l) of  the Clean Water Act were developed  and  a notice  of their
availability was published for public comment on March 15, 1979 (44 FR
15926), July 25,  1979 (44  FR  43660), and October 1, 1979 (44 FR 56628).
This  document  Is a revision  of  those proposed criteria  based  upon a
consideration of  comments received  from other Federal  Agencies, State
agencies,  special Interest  groups,  and  Individual  scientists.   The
criteria contained In this document replace any previously published EPA
criteria for  the 65 pollutants.   This  criterion  document 1s  also
published 1n satisfaction of paragraph 11 of the Settlement Agreement
1n  Natural  Resources  Defense  Council, et.  al.  vs. Train. 8 ERC  2120
(D.D.C. 1976;, modified, 12 ERC 1833 (D.D.C.  1979).

    The term  "water  quality  criteria"  1s used  1n  two  sections of the
Clean Water Act, section 304  (a)(l) and section 303 (c)(2).  The term has
a different prograa Impact 1n each  section.   In section 304, the  term
represents a  non-regulatory,  scientific  assessment of  ecological  ef-
fects. The criteria presented 1n  this  publication  are  such  scientific
assessments.   Such water quality  criteria  associated with  specific
stream uses when  adopted as State  water quality standards under section
303 become  enforceable maximum  acceptable  levels of  a pollutant  In
ambient waters.  The water quality criteria  adopted in  the State water
quality standards could have the same numerical  limits  as  the criteria
developed under section  304.  However, in many situations States may want
to adjust water quality criteria developed under section 304 to reflect
local  environmental  conditions  and  human  exposure  patterns  before
Incorporation  into water  quality standards.    It  is  not until their
adoption as part of the  State  water quality standards that the criteria
become regulatory.

    Guidelines to assist  the States  1n  the modification of criteria
presented  1n   this  document,  1n  the  development  of •water  quality
standards,  and In  other water-related programs of this Agency, are being
developed by EPA.
                                    STEVEN SCHATZOW
                                    Deputy Assistant  Administrator
                                    Office of Water Regulations  and  Standards
                                    ill

-------
                           ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Aquatic Life Toxicology:
   W111Ian A. Brungs, ERL-Narragansett
   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
John H. Gentile, ERL-Narragansett
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mammalian Toxicology and Human Health Effects:
   Richard A. Carchnan (author)
   Medical College of Virginia

   Steven D. Lutkenhoff (doc. ngr.)
   ECAO-CIn
   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

   Bonnie Smith  (doc. ngr.)
   ECAO-C1n
   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

   Thomas J. Haley
   National Center for Toxlcologlcal
     Research

   Van Kozak
   University of Wisconsin

   James Wlthey
   Health and Welfare. Canada
John Autlan
University of Tennessee

Karen Blackburn, HERL
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Herbert Cornish
University of Michigan
Sherwln Kevy
Children's Hospital Medical Center
V.M. Sadagopa Ramanujam
University of Texas Medical Branch

Patrick Durkln
Syracuse Research Corporation
Technical  Support  Services  Staff:  p.J. Relsman, M.A. Garlough, B.L. Zwayer,
P.A.  Daunt, K.S. Edwards. T.A. Scandura, A.T. Pressley. C.A. Cooper,
M.M.  Denessen.

Clerical  Staff:  C.A.  Haynes,  S.J. Faehr,  L.A. Wade,  D. Jones, B.J. Bordicks,
B.J.  Quesnell,  T.  Highland, B. Gardiner.
                                   Iv

-------
                             TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                  Page

Criteria Summary

Introduction                                                       A-l

Aquatic Life Toxicology                                            B-l
    Introduction                                                   B-l
    Effects                                                        B-l
         Acute Toxldty                                            B-l
         Chronic Toxldty                                          B-2
         Plant Effects                                             B-2
         Miscellaneous                                             B-2
         Summary                                                   B-2
    Criteria                                                       B-3
    References                                                     B-8

Mammalian Toxicology and Human Health Effects                      C-l
    Introduction                                                   C-l
    Exposure                                                       C-2
         Ingestlon from Hater                                      C-3
         Ingest1on from Food                                       C-3
         Inhalation                                                C-5
         Dermal                                                    C-5
    Pharmacok1net1cs                                               C-5
         Absorption and Distribution                               C-5
         Metabolism and Excretion                                  C-6
    Effects                                                        C-13
         Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Toxldty                     C-13
         Synergisra and/or Antagonism                               C-17
         Teratogen1c1ty                                            C-17
         Mutageniclty and Cardnogenlcity                          C-17
    Criterion Formulation                                          C-19
         Existing Guidelines and Standards                         C-19
         Current Levels of Exposure                                C-19
         Special Groups at Risk                                    C-19
         Basis and Derivation of Criterion                         C-21
    References                                                     C-25

-------
                              CRITERIA DOCUMENT
                                 ETHYLBENZENE
CRITERIA
                                 Aouatlc  Life
    The  available  data  for ethyl benzene  Indicate that  acute toxldty  to
freshwater aouatlc  Hfe  occurs  at concentrations  as  low  as 32,000 wg/1 and
would  occur  at lower concentrations  among species that  are  more sensitive
than those tested.   No  definitive data are available concerning the chronic
toxldty of ethyl benzene to sensitive freshwater  aouatlc life.
    The  available  data  for ethyl benzene  Indicate  that  acute toxldty  to
saltwater aauatlc Hfe occurs at concentrations as low as 430 ug/1 and would
occur  at lower concentrations  among species  that are more  sensitive  than
those  tested.   No  data are available concerning  the chronic toxldty  of
ethylbenzene to sensitive saltwater aauatlc Hfe.

                                 Human Health
    For  the  protection  of human  health  from  the toxic properties of ethyl-
benzene  Ingested through water  and contaminated aauatlc  organisms,  the am-
bient water criterion 1s determined to be 1.4  mg/1.
    For the  protection of  human health from  the toxic properties of ethyl-
benzene  Ingested through contaminated aauatlc organisms  alone,  the ambient
water criterion 1s  determined to be 3.28  mg/1.
                                    vi

-------
                                  INTRODUCTION

     Ethylbenzene  (EB)  1s an alkyl-substituted aromatic compound which  has a
broad  environmental  distribution  due to Its widespread use  1n  a plethora of
commercial  products  and  Its  presence 1n  various  petroleum  combustion  pro-
cesses.  The  two  primary commercial  uses  of EB are 1n the plastic and rubber
Industries  where 1t  1s utilized  as an  Initial  substrate  reactant 1n  the
production  of styrene  (Paul  and  Soder,  1977).   The majority of  these  com-
mercial sites  of  production are geographically clustered  1n  Texas  and Louis-
iana.  The  amount of EB produced 1n the  United States 1n 1975  was  approxi-
mately 6 to 7  billion pounds of which about 98 percent was used  1n the  manu-
facture of styrenes (Table 1)  (U.S. Int. Trade Comm., 1976).
    Commercial production  of  EB  currently  utilizes  a liquid phase  FMedel-
Crafts  alkylatlon of benzene  with  ethylene.   According  to  Paul  and  Soder
(1977), at  least  50 percent of the benzene used  1n the  United States  goes
Into the production of  ethylbenzene.  Significant quantities  of  EB are  pres-
ent 1n mixed xylenes.   These are  used  as  diluents 1n the paint  Industry,  In
agricultural sprays for  Insecticides, and 1n gasoline blends  (which  may  con-
tain as much  as  20  percent EB).   In  light of  the  large quantities of  EB
produced and the diversity of products 1n which  1t 1s  used,  there  exist  many
environmental  sources  for ethylbenzene,  e.g.,  vaporization  during  solvent
use, pyrolysis of gasoline,  and  emitted  vapors  at filling  stations.
    Ethylbenzene  (CgHgt^Hg,  molecular  weight  106.16)  (Figure  1)  1s   a
flammable,  colorless liquid with  a  boiling  point of  136.25"C and  a  freezing
point of -95.01"C (Wlndholz, 1976).   Its  density at  25*C (relative  to water
at  the  same temperature) 1s  0.866  (VMndholz,  1976)  and  1t  has a  specific
gravity of  0.8669 (C1er, 1970).   Its vapor pressure 1s 20  mm  Hg at 38.6*C
                                     A-l

-------
                                   TABLE 1
               Possible Environmental Sources of Ethylbenzenc*
        Source                                        EB  Production/annum

Comerdal                                          6-7 billion  pounds
Petroleum Cracking                                  0.57-0.96 billion pounds
(2-3*-of gasoline (volume) 1s EB)
Residues 1n polystyrene                             0.19  billion pounds
Motor vehicle exhaust (and other                    0.28  billion pounds
  combustion and pyrolysis products)
*Source: U.S. International Trade  Commission,  1976.
                                      A-2

-------
                               FIGURE 1
                  Ethylbenzene - Chealcal Structure
                                               CH2  CH3
                               TABLE 2
                 Ethylbenzene / Physical Properties*
   Molecular weight                         106.16
   Color                                    colorless
   Boiling Point, 760 torr                  136.2'C
   Freezing Point                           -95"C
   Flashpoint                               16*C
   Density (g/ml) • 20* C                    0.87
   Vapor Pressure, torr                     20 at 38.6'C
   Water Solubility wt. X                   0.02**+

Taicen rrom cier (19/0); Gerarae (1963J.
For all  practical  purposes, EB 1s  'Insoluble1  1n water and  due to  Its
vapor pressure 1s probably present only 1n the atmosphere.
EB water solublty       161 ppn at 25]C 1n distilled water
                        111 ppm at 25*C 1n seawater
                                 A-3

-------
(C1er, 1970).  The log of the  octanol/water  partition  coefficient  for  ethyl-
benzene 1s  3.15  (Tute, 1971).   Ethylbenzene  1s  slightly soluble  (less  than
0.1 percent or 866 mg/1)  1n water (Hann and Jensen, 1970), but  1t 1s  freely
soluble 1n organic solvents  (Table 2) (VMndholz,  1976).
                                     A-4

-------
                                   REFERENCES

American  Hygiene Association.  1957.   Ethyl benzene  (Phenylethane).  Hygiene
guide  series.  Am.  Ind. Hyg. Assoc.  Washington, D.C.

C1er,  H.E.   1970.  Klrk-Othmer Enyclopedla of  Chemical  Technology.  Xylenes
and ethyl benzenes.  2nd ed.  Intersdence Pub!., New York.  22: 467.

Gerarde,  H.W.   1963.   The  aromatic hydrocarbons.   III.  j[n:  F.A.  Petty,
(ed.),  Industrial hygiene and  toxicology.   John Wiley  and Sons,  Inc.,  New
York.

Hann,  R.W.,  Jr.  and  P.A.  Jensen.   1970.   Water quality  characteristics  of
hazardous materials.  Environ.  Eng.  D1v.,  Texas A and M  Univ.,  College Sta-
tion.

Paul,  S.K.   and  S.L. Soder.   1977.   Ethyl benzene-sal lent Statistics.   ln_:
Chemical Economics Handbood.   Stanford Res. Inst.,  Menlo Park,  California.

Tute,  M.S.   1971.  Principles  and practice of  Hansch  analysis: A guide  to
structure-activity  correlation  for  the  medicinal  chemist.  Adv.   Drug  Res.
5: 1.

U.S. International  Trade  Commission.   1976.   Synthetic  organic  chemicals.
U.S. production and sales,  Washington,  D.C.

Wlndholz, M.,  (ed.)  1976.   The  Merck  Index.   Merck  and  Co.,  Rahway,  New
Jersey.
                                       A-5

-------
 Aquatic Life Toxicology*
                                  INTRODUCTION
     The acute  toxlclty data base  for  ethylbenzene and freshwater  organisms
 Indicates that there 1s not a large difference 1n  sensitivity  among the  four
 tested fish species and that Daphnla magna has similar  sensitivity  to  ethyl-
 benzene.   Algal  assays  Indicated  that  Selenastrum caprlcornutum  was  much
 more resistant.
     There  was a wide range  of  acute tox1city among saltwater  species  repre-
 sented by three Invertebrate and two fish species.  This  range was from 430
 to  1,030,000 wg/1.
                                    EFFECTS
 Acute Toxldty
     An acute test with Daphnla magna  (U.S.  EPA,  1978)  resulted 1n  a 48-hour
 EC5Q value  of 75,000 vg/l  (Table 1).
     Pickering  and  Henderson  (1966) conducted 96-hour  tests with  the  gold-
 fish,  fathead minnow,  guppy,  and blueglll  and  the |_C50  values  ranged from
 32,000 to  97,100  yg/1  (Table  1).   Two  different Investigators'  blueglll
 LC5Q values, 32,000 and 155,000  yg/1,  do not agree well  but no explanation
 Is available.
     Only three  tests  have been conducted with  saltwater  Invertebrate spe-
 cies,  the  96-hour  LC5(J for  the mysld  shrimp was  87,600  ug/l, for the  bay
 shrimp  the  LC5(J  was  3,700  yg/1,  and  for  the  Pacific  oyster  1t  was
 1,030,000 wg/l (Table 1).
*The reader  Is referred to  the Guidelines  for  Deriving Water Quality  Cri-
teria for the Protection of Aquatic Life and its Uses  1n order  to  better un-
derstand the  following  discussion  and recommendation.  The  following  tables
contain the appropriate  data  that  were found 1n the literature,  and  at  the
bottom of each  table  are calculations for deriving  various  measures of  tox-
ldty as described 1n the Guidelines.
                                     B-l

-------
    There Is an  extreme,  and unexplalnable difference (Table 1)  between  the
96-hour  LC5Q  values  for  the striped  bass  (430  wg/1)  and the  sheepshead
minnow  (275,000  wg/1).  This  extreme variability 1n  fish  and  Invertebrate
data suggests possible difficulties 1n testing ethylbenzene 1n saltwater.
Chronic Toxldty
    The embryo and  larval  stages of the fathead minnow  have been exposed to
ethylbenzene (U.S.  EPA,  1978) and  no adverse effects were observed at  the
highest test concentration, 440 wg/1 (Table 2).
Plant Effects
    No adverse effects on cell number or chlorophyll £ production of Selena-
strua capHcomutum or Skeletonema  costatum were observed  at test concentra-
tions as high as 438,000 wg/1 (Table 3).
Miscellaneous
    Potera  (1975)  conducted a variety  of 24-hour  exposures with the  grass
shrimp using static procedures with measured  concentrations  (Table 4).  Tem-
perature (19 and 2CTC), salinity  (15  and 25  ppt),  and  life stage (larval  and
adult)  were the variables  considered.   The  total  range  of LC_fl values  1s
10,200 to 17,300 wg/1  which small  difference Indicates  that these variables
did not  have a  very  great effect.   The  copepod,  NUocra splnlpes.  was  ex-
posed to  ethylbenzene  at salinities  of 15 and 25 ppt and  the  24-hour LCSO
values were both 16,000 ug/l (Table 4).
Summary
    Four freshwater fish  species have been acutely tested with  ethylbenzene
under-static  test conditions without  measured concentrations.   The  96-hour
LC5Q  values ranged  from  32,000 to  15.000  ug/l.   The 48-hour EC50  value
for Daphn-ta magna was  75,000 wg/1 Indicating comparable  sensitivity with
fishes.   No effects  on the  embryo and  larval stages  of the fathead minnow
                                     B-2

-------
were  observed  at concentrations as  high  as 440 ug/1.  a  concentration  about
one-hundredth  of the 96-hour LC5Q.   No  effects were observed on an  alga  at
concentrations as high as 438,000 vg/1.
    The  LC50 values for  two saltwater fish  and three Invertebrate  species
varied widely with a range of 430 to  1,030,000  ug/1, no adverse  effect  on  an
alga  was observed  at  concentrations  as  high  as  438,000 ug/1.   No  chronic
test with any  saltwater  species has been conducted.  The effect of  tempera-
ture, salinity,  and  life stage on the t ox 1 city of  ethyl benzene  to the  grass
shrimp was  studied  and  all LCgo  values were  within   a  range  of 10,200  to
17,300 ug/1, which results  Indicate no significant  effect of  those variables
on the 24-hour LCg0 values.
                                   CRITERIA
    The  available data  for  ethyl benzene Indicate  that  acute  toxldty  to
freshwater aquatic life  occurs  at concentrations as  low as 32,000 ug/1  and
would occur  at lower  concentrations  among species  that are more  sensitive
than those tested.   No definitive data are available concerning the  chronic
toxldty of ethyl benzene to sensitive freshwater aquatic  life.
    The  available data  for  ethyl benzene  Indicate  that  acute  toxldty  to
saltwater aquatic life occurs at concentrations as low as  430 ug/1  and would
occur at  lower concentrations  among species  that are  more sensitive  than
those tested.   No data art  available concerning  the  chronic  toxldty  of
ethylbenzene to sensitive saltwater aquatic life.
                                     B-3

-------
Table I.  Acute wlees for
Species
Netted*
LOO/GC50
(Ml/I)
Specie* Acute
Value (•o/l)
K49f •TABOO
FRESHWATER SPECIES
Cladoceraa,
Dephala aepna
Goldfish,
Caress 1 us auratus
Fathead Minnow,
PlMaphales proMelas
Fathead Minnow,
PlMaphales proMalas
Guppy,
PoecJIla reticulate
Blueglll,
LepoBls Macrochlnis
Blueylll,
LapoBls Mscrochlrus
Pacific oyster,
Crassostrea qlpas
Bay shrlap,
Crago franc ISCOTUM
Mysld shrlap.
My sloops Is babla
Sheepshead Minnow,
Cyprlnodon varleoatus
Striped bass,
Moron* sexatllls

S, U
s. u
S. U
S. U
s, u
S, U
s. u
s. u
S. M
s, u
s. u
S. M
75,000
94,440
48,510
42,330
97,100
32.000
155.000
SALTWATER
1,030,000
3,700
87,600
273,000
430
75,000
94.440
45.300
97,100
70,400
SPECIES
1,030,000
3,700
87,600
275.000
430
U.S. EPA, 1978
Pickering A Henderson,
1966
Pickering A Henderson,
1966
Pickering A Henderson,
1966
Pickering A Henderson,
1966
Pickering A Henderson,
1966
U.S. EPA, 1978
LaSora. 1974
Benvl 1 le A Korn, 1977
U.S. EPA, 1978
U.S. EPA, 1978
Benvl 1 le A Korn, 1977
• S • static, U • iraeesured. M • Measured
  No Final Acute Values are calculable  since  the  • In I

                                               B-4
                              data base requirements are not  eat.

-------
 Table 2.  Ckroalc valaaa for atkylbiaiaaa (U^. EPA, l>78)

                                                Ckroalc
                                      LlBlt*     Vala*
                                      (M/ll     (no/1)
                    FRESHWATER SPECIES

Fattoad  •IMWM.              E-L        >440
• E-L - Mtryo-larval

  No acuta -chronic ratio Is 01 leu lab I*.
                          B-5

-------
Table 3.  PlMt valaaa for •tftylbaaiana (U.S. EPA, 1971)
                             3-6
                                                      lit
*a«cla«                           Effact          (no/1)

                    FRESHMTER SPECIES
Alga.                          Chlorophyll ±    >43B.OOO
Salanaatruai caprlconuitua      96-hr EC90

Alga,                          Call mwbars      M36.000
Salani
lanaatrua) caprlcornutuai       96-hr EC90
                     SALTMATER  SPECIES

Alga.                          Chlorophyll a     X43B.OOO
Shalatonaaa coatatua)           96-hr EC90
Alga.                          Call  nuatars      MM,000
Skalatonaaa coatatiw           96-hr EC90

-------
       TabU 4.  Ottar data for •ttoyl
(Potcra, 197S)
Spaclaa

Nltocra silnlpas
Copapod,
Nltocra splnlpaa
Grass shrlap (adult),
Palaaannatas puglo
Grass shrlap (adult),
Palasannatas puglo
Grass shrlap (adult),
Palaaionataa puglo
Grass shrlap (adult),
Palaaacnatas puglo
Grass shrlap (larva),
PalaasCTiatas puglo
Grass shrlap (larva).
Duration
SAITMATER SPECIES
24 hrs
24 hrs
24 hrs
24 hrs
24 hrs
24 hrs
24 hrs
24 hrs
I«f«ct

LC90
LC90
LC90
LC90
LC50
LC90
LC90
LC30
Raault
(M/D

16,000
16,000
14,900
14,400
17,300
17,300
10.200
10.200
Paliiarinatas puglo
                                 B-7

-------
                                  REFERENCES

Benvllle, P.E., Jr. and  S.  Kom.   1977.  The acute  toxlclty  of six monocy-
cllc aromatic  crude oil  components  to  striped  bass  (Morone  Saxatnis)  and
bay shrimp (Crago franclsconm).   Calif. F1sh  and Game.  63: 204.

Lefiore, R.S.   1974.  The effect of Alaskan crude oil and selected hydrocar-
bon compounds  on  embryonic development  of the  Pacific  oyster, Crassostrea
glgas.  Doctoral Thesis,  Ltnlv. Washington.

Pickering, Q.H. and C.  Henderson.  1966.  Acute toxldty  of  some Important
petrochemicals to fish.   Jour. Hater Pollut. Control  Fed.  38: 1419.

Potera, F.T.   1975.  The effects  of benzene, toluene, and  ethylbenzene on
several Important  members  of the  estuarlne  ecosystem.   Ph.D. dissertation,
Lehlgh Univ.

U.S. EPA.   1978.   In-depth studies  on  health and environmental  Impacts of
selected water pollutants.  U.S.  Environ.  Prot. Agency, Contract  Ho.  68-01-
4646.
                                     B-8

-------
Mammalian Toxicology and Human Health Effects
                           INTRODUCTION
     The paucity of information available on the  biological effects
of ethylbeniene  (EB)  in man and  other  mammalian species is rather
surprising considering the degree of exposure to  EB in our environ-
ment.  EB  is  present  in drinking waters and in the atmosphere. It
has been shown to persist  in man  for days after exposure  (Wolff, et
al. 1977).  It is present in the respiratory tract  (Conkle, et al.
1975), umbilical cord and maternal  blood  (Dowty, et al. 1976), and
aubcutaneous  fat (Wolff, et al. 1977) of exposed humans.  There is
little  reason to suspect  that the  current sources of  EB  in our
environment will be abated.  The  sources of EB include:  (1) com-
mercial, e.g., petroleum and petroleum  by-products,  (2) motor vehi-
cle exhaust,  and (3) cigarette smoke.  These appear to be integral
parts of our  society.   In man and in animals, EB is an irritant of
mucous membranes.   It  is  this response which  forms the basis for
the current Threshold Limit Value (TLV).  The D.S. EPA recommended
carcinogenicity testing for  EB  in 1976, but test  results  are not
yet available.  Similarly,  no data exist for mutagenicity and tera-
togenicity of ethylbenzene.   The  potential adverse  human  health
effects following exposure  to EB  were  stated (40 PR 1910.1034) to
be i
     1)   kidney disease,
          EB  is not nephrotoxic.   Concern is expressed because the
          kidney is the primary  route  of excretion of  EB  and its
          metabolites.
     2)   liver disease,
          EB  is  not hepatotoxic.    Since  EB is metabolized  by the
          liver, concern is expressed for this tissue.
                               C-l

-------
     3)   chronic respiratory disease,
          Exacerbation of  pulmonary  pathology might occur follow-
          ing exposure to SB.  Individuals with imparied pulaonary
          function night be at risk.
     4)   skin disease,
          EB is a defatting agent and may cause dermatitis follow-
          ing prolonged  exposure.    Individuals  with pre-existing
          skin problems may be more sensitive to EB.
                             EXPOSURE
     Ethylbenzene has a broad environmental distribution due  to its
widespread use in a  plethora of  commercial products and its pres-
ence in  various  petroleum combustion processes.   The two primary
commercial uses  of  EB  are in the  plastic and  rubber  industries
where  it  is  utilized  as  an initial substrate reactant in the pro-
duction of styrene  (Paul and Soder,  1977).   The amount of EB pro-
duced  in  the United States in 1975 was between 6-7 billion pounds.
Almost all  (97 percent)  was captively consumed  by the  producers.
The majority of these commercial  sites are geographically clustered
in Texas  and Louisiana.
     Commercial production of EB currently utilizes a liquid phase
Friedel-Crafts alkylation of  benzene  with  ethylene.   According to
Paul and  Soder (1977), at  least  50  percent of the benzene used in
the United States goes into  the  production of ethylbenzene.   Sig-
nificant quantities of EB are present in mixed xylenes.  These are
used as diluents in the paint industry, in agricultural  sprays for
insecticides and  in  gasoline blends  (which may contain as much as
20 percent EB).   In light of the large quantities of EB produced and
the diversity  of products  in which  it is  found,  there exist many
environmental sources for  ethylbenzene,  e.g., vaporization during
                               C-2

-------
 •olvent use,  pyrolysis of gasoline, and emitted  vapors  at filling
 stations.
 Ingestion  from Water
      In a  survey of  water  contaminants present  in the  drinking
 water of ten cities  in  the United  States,  ethylbenzene  (EB)  was
 detected but not quantified in six of ten samples (U.S.  EPA,  1975).
 This  report indicated  that  alkylated benzenes were  present in  U.S.
 drinking  water at pg/1  concentration.   A  broad distribution  was
 estimated  in  a document prepared for the U.S.  EPA by Shackelford
 and Keith  (1976); EB was present  in  finished drinking water  in the
 United  States,  the  United  Kingdom,   and Switzerland.   EB was  also
 found in river water,  chemical plant effluents, raw water,  textile
 plant effluents,  and well water at 15 ppb (Burnham, et al. 1972).
 Ingestion From Food
     The only  report  in the literature  indicating the presence of
 ethylbenzene in food is that of Kinlin,  et al. (1972), wherein  they
 reported  the  presence  of  227 organic  compounds including  EB in
 roasted filbert nuts (no quantitative data given).
     Styrene food packaging  techniques  represent another possible
 source  of EB contamination  in food   products.   Though  styrene has
 been detected in certain food products,  the  presence of EB  in these
 products has not been reported.
     A bioconcentration factor (BCF)  relates the concentration  of a
chemical in aquatic animals  to the  concentration in the water in
which they  live.   The steady-state  BCFs  for  a  lipid-soluble com-
pound in the tissues of various aquatic animals seem to be propor-
 tional  to  the  percent lipid  in  the  tissue.   Thus  the  per capita
                               C-3

-------
ingestion of a lipid-soluble chemical can be estimated from the per
capita consumption of fish and  shellfish,  the weighted  average per-
cent lipids of consumed fish and shellfish, and a steady-state BCF
for the chemical.
     Data from a recent survey on fish and shellfish consumption  in
the United  States were analysed by SRI  International (U.S. EPA,
1980).  These data were used  to estimate that the per capita con-
sumption  of  freshwater and  estuarine fish  and shellfish  in the
United States  is 6.5  g/day  (Stephan, 1980).   In addition,  these
data were used with data on the fat content of the edible portion  of
the  same  species  to estimate  that the  weighted  average  percent
lipids for consumed  freshwater and estuarine fish and  shellfish  is
3.0 percent.
     No measured  steady-state  bioconcentration  factor  (BCF)   is
available  for  ethylbenxene,  but the  equation "Log  BCF  •  (0.85
Log P) - 0.70" can be used (Veith, et al.  1979)  to estimate  the BCF
for aquatic organisms that contain about  7.6  percent lipids  (Veith,
1980) from the octanol/water partition coefficient (P). Based on a
measured Log P  value of 3.15  (Hansch  and Leo,  1979), the  steady-
state bioconcentration  factor  for ethylbenxene is estimated  to  be
95.  An adjustment factor of 3.0/7.6 • 0.395 can be used  to adjust
the estimated BCF from the 7.6 percent lipids on which the equation
is based to the 3.0 percent lipids that is the weighted average for
consumed fish and shellfish.   Thus,  the weighted average bioconcen-
tration  factor  for  ethylbenzene and  the  edible  portion  of all
freshwater and estuarine aquatic organisms consumed  by Americans  is
calculated to be 95  z 0.395 -  37.5.

                               C-4

-------
 Inhalation
     EB  probably  represents  about 10  percent  of  the  total aromatic
 compounds detected  in  the  air  and roughly one percent  of  the  total
 organic  compounds detected.  Altshuller  and Bellar  (1963)  detected
 0.01 ppm EB in the  air around Los Angeles, California.   Lonneman,
 et al. in 1968 detected EB in the air around Los  Angeles at a  level
 of 0.006 ppm.  Neligan, et al.  (1965)  surveyed five different  sites
 in California; EB  levels  averaged 0.01 ppm.   These  authors  have
 suggested that commercial  sources  and motor vehicles are  the major
 contributors  to EB  in  the  atmosphere.
     EB  is  present in cigarette  smoke.   Conkle,  et al. (1975)
measured trace quantities of EB  in  the  expired  air of eight  male
 subjects with a range of  23 to  47  years  of  age, median age 38.
Using  gas  chromatography  techniques  they  detected EB in five of
eight  subjects with the  smokers in this group having  the highest
 levels of EB  (0.78  to 14 x 10"6g/hr).
Dermal
     No  data are available  on the  dermal  exposure of humans to
ethylbenxene.
                       PHARMACOKINBTICS
Absorption and Distribution
     When administered subcutaneously to 40  rats  (2.5 ml,  1:1 v/v),
ethylbenxene  was  detected in  the blood within  2 hours,  and the
levels of EB  (10-15 ppm  in blood)  were  maintained for  at least 16
hours  (Gerarde, 1959).
     Although  little  quantitive   data  on  the  absorption of EB
 is available,  absorption has  been demonstrated  via the  skin and
                               C-5

-------
respiratory tract in a number of toxicity studies.  Two representa-
tive studies have  reported  that significant amounts of  EB can be
absorbed through the skin.  Dutkiewicx and Tyras (1967, L968) have
shown (Table 1)  that when human subjects are exposed to EB, there
is a "significant  increase  in the amount of urinary mandelic acid
excreted"  (see  Metabolism section).   In addition,  Smyth,  et al.
(1962) reported an LD5Q for  EB (via skin  application) in  rabbits of
17.8 ml/kg.
     Dutkiewicx and Tyras (1968) also compared the skin absorption
of several other organic solvents, and they concluded that by com-
parison significantly more EB was absorbed  (Table 1).
     EB is readily absorbed  by inhalation (see Table  2).  Symptoma-
tology associated  with acute intoxication of EB by this route in-
cludes  coordination disorders,  narcosis,  convulsions,  pulmonary
irritation,  and conjunctivitis  (Ivanov,  1962)   (see Effects sec-
tion).
     Ingestion of EB has been reported  by a number of investigators
to produce a variety of dose-related toxicities  in several differ-
ent species  (see Effects section).  The evidence  presented above
indicates that EB  can  be  absorbed  via  several different routes of
administration,  producing systemic effects  in  various species of
animals including man.
Metabolism and Excretion
     The metabolism of EB is summarixed  in  Figure  1.   These data
were taken from a series of  different studies on  rabbits as adapted
from the work  of Kiese and Lenk  (1974)  (Table  3).   This proposed
metabolic outline  is consistent with reports on  the metabolic fate
                               C-6

-------
                             TABLE 1


                  Skin Absorption of EB in Han*
EB concentration
Rate of Absorption
        2
  (mg/on ) hour
  24-hour nandelic
   acid excretion

(% of absorbed dose)
  112-156 ng/1
    0.11-0.21
       4.6
*Sourcei  Dutkievics and Tyras, 1968
                               C-7

-------
                             TABLE 2

              Human Response to Ethylbenzene Vapors*
Concentration       Exposure
mg/1    ppm         tine
Response
21.75   5000        Few seconds         Intolerable irritation of
                                        nose, eyes and throat.
 8.7    2000        Few seconds         Severe eye, nose  and mucous
                                        membrane irritation.
                                        Lacrimation.
 8.7    2000        6 minutes           Central nervous  system
                                        effects. Dizziness.
 4.35   1000        Few seconds         Eye irritation.
 4.35   1000        Minutes             Eye irritation diminishes

 0.87    200                Threshold limit.
 0.043    10        Few seconds         Odor detectable.


*Sourcei  Gerarde, 1963
                               C-8

-------
           6)  - oxidation
  ethylbenzene          phenylacetic acid


                -1-oxidation
     H^ 1-phenylethanol
L (-)
 |r<
        \
                         D (+)

                   oxidation
               V
       -oxidation acet°Phenone

•andellc acid
                    %
     p ,hydroxy 1 odon \w_ox1 datl on

              *     *
              *b
                                                 conjugated
                                                              phenaceturlc
                                                                 acid
                                                                         hlppurlc acid
                                                  metahydroxyacetophenone
                                                     5 ?
                  u -hydroxyacetophenone
p- hydroxyacetophenone                       phenyglyoxal
                                                                           \
                                                                               conjugation
                                                                      phenylglyoxyllc
                                                                         acid
                                       FIGURE 1

                        Metabolic Pathways  of Ethylbenxene
                           Sources   Kieae and Lenk, 1974
                                              C-9

-------
                           TABLE 3
                  EB Metabolites Found in Urine
                  of Rabbits given 1 gram i.p.*
                                        % of administered EB
phenaceturic acid                         10-20
mandelic acid                             1-2
p-hydroxyacetophenone                     0.13
m-hydroxyacetophenone                     0.03
o-hydroxyacetophenone                     0.1
hippuric acid                             22-41
1-phenylethanol                           30%  75% D(+),25% L(-)

*Source:  Kiese and Lenk, 1974
 Similar data were obtained by El Masry, et al., 1956.
                               C-10

-------
of EB in dogs (Nencki, 1878;  Nencke and Giacosa,  1880;  El Masry, et
al.  1956),   cat  liver  microsomea  (McMahon  and  Sullivan,   1966;
McMahon,  et  al.  1969),  and in man (Bardodej and Bardedjeva,  1970;
Logemann, et al. 1964).  The data presented in Table 3 indicate that
the major metabolites of EB are 1-phenylethanol, hippuric acid and
phenaceturic acid.
     The  study reported in Table 4 is excerpted  in a modified form
from Bardodej and Bardedjova (1970).  In  this study of the metabo-
lism of EB by human volunteers, there  are  several significant omis-
sions which  hamper  a  clear interpretation of the data.  These in-
clude no  indication of number, age, or  sex of subjects or of  their
physical  condition  prior  to  EB exposure.   The  methodologies des-
cribed  in the  text  include  spectrophotometry   and  paper  chroma-
tography.  These were probably not sensitive enough to detect many
of the metabolites.  Indeed,  the authors were unable to detect sev-
eral common  metabolites of ethylbenzene,  including acetophenone,
phenylethyleneglycol, w -hydroxyacetophenone,  hippuric  acid, and
mercapturic  acid.  Despite these  shortcomings,  this study contri-
butes to  our understanding of EB metabolism  in man. A considerable
amount of EB was absorbed in the respiratory tract; only traces of
EB were expired by the end of the experiment (Table 4).  The major
metabolites  found  in  the  urine  included  mandelic  and  phenyl-
glyoxylic acid,  64  percent  and 25  percent respectively,  and  1-
phenylethanol, 5 percent.   These authors  (Bardodej and Bardedjova,
1970) also  indicated  that  if  the concentration  of EB is increased
above  85 ppm  (level  not  specified),   subjects  reported  fatigue,
                               C-ll

-------
                           TABLE 4

                    Metabolisa  of EB  in Man*
     EB concentrations in               23,43,46,85
      inspired air (ppa)

     Duration                           8 hours

     % of vapor retained                64
      in respiratory tract
     (arithaw tic average)

     Excreted in expired air            traces
     by the end of the                  (2-4%)
     experiment

     retained dose
     eliminated in the urine
     as mandelic acid                   64%

     as phenylglyoxlic acid             25%

     as 1-phenylethanol                 5%
*Source:  Bardodej and Bardedjova, 1970
                              C-12

-------
Sleepiness,  headache,  and mild  irritation of the eyes and respira-
tory  tract.
                           EFFECTS
Acute, Subacute,  and Chronic Toxicity
     Gerarde (1963) has  reviewed  the acute toxicity data in humans
to SB via  inhalation;  these data  are summarized  in Table 2.
     The acute  toxicity  data  on EB in both rat  and  rabbit  via  the
oral  or  dermal route  indicate  the low  toxicity of  this  compound
(Table 5).   In  the  study by Wolf, et al.  (1956) young  adult white
rats were  intubated via a rubber stomach tube with either undiluted
EB or an olive oil or corn oil solution of EB emulsified with a 5 to
10 percent aqueous solution of gum arable.  The total volume admin-
istered never exceeded 7 ml.  The EB  used in  these  studies  was 98
percent  pure (ultraviolet and  infrared  spectroscopy),  BP  136.2°C
with a specific gravity  (20°C)  «  0.86.
     These authors  (Wolf,  et  al.  1956) also assessed  the  response
of administration of EB  on the  eyes of  rabbits.   Two drops of  EB
were placed  on the right eyeball.  Observations  were made  at three
minutes; one hour;  and  one,  two,  and seven  days.    A 5  percent
flourescein dye solution (water) was used to assess external injury
of the cornea (after three minutes).   EB produced  a slight con-
junct! val  irritation but did not  produce  any injury  to  the  cornea.
     Wolf, et al. (1956) administered EB  via the oral  route  to  ten
white rats for approximately six  months.   They received  daily sin-
gle doses  of EB  (98  percent  pure) dissolved  in  olive oil, five
days/week  for six months.  The  total daily volume  administered  did
not exceed 2  to 3 ml.   Controls  for this study  included 20 white
                              C-13

-------
                             TABLE 5
                 Acute ToxicIty of Ethylbenxene*
Route of
Administration
oral
oral
•kin
inhalation

SP.C1..
rat
rat
rabbit
rat


both
male
male
female
No. of
Animals
57
5
4
6

^50
3.5 gm/kga
5.46 ml/kgb
17.8 ml kgb
4000 ppsi x 4 hrs.b
*Sourcea:
     "wolf, et al. 1956
     bSmyth, et al. 1962
                               C-14

-------
rats  that  received  2.5 ml  olive oil  emulsified  in gum arabic.   The
findings (Table 6) indicate that repeated oral administration of EB
produced histopathological changes in both the kidney and the liver
at 408 and 680 mg/kg/day.  The authors reported that at these doses
of  EB no  effects on  the  hematopoietic  system  were observed,  as
indicated  by bone narrow counts of nucleated  cells.
     Wolf, et  al.  (1956)  also evaluated the ability  of  EB  to  pro-
duce injury to the skin (rabbit).  EB was tested undiluted, 10 to 20
applications to the ear and onto the  shaved abdomen for two  to  four
weeks.  EB produced moderate  "erythemal" edema,  superficial necro-
sis,  skin  blistering,  and  chapped  appearance  and exfoliation  of
large patches of  skin.
     The effects  of repeated  exposures of EB  via inhalation  are
summarized in Table 6.   Matched groups of 10  to 25 rats,  5 to  10
guinea pigs, 1 to 2 rabbits,  and 1 to 2 rhesus monkeys were  used in
these studies.   Exposure in  the chambers was for  seven to eight
hours daily,  five days/week.   These authors  (Wolf,  et  al. 1956)
concluded  that  a  no effect concentration  of  EB  is  200  ppm  (rat,
guinea pig, rabbit).  Effects with EB were observed at doses equal
to or greater than 400  ppm; these effects  are  primarily only slight
changes in liver and kidney weights.
     When acutely exposed to ethylbenzene vapors  at concentrations
of 1,000 to 10,000  ppm,  guinea pigs  developed leukocytesis  (Yant,
et al. 1930).   Ivanov  (1964)  reported a study  in  which rabbits  were
subchronically exposed to EB  via inhalation.  The animals were  ex-
po«*d to approximately 230  ppm EB, four hours/day for  seven  months.
This  author  reported  "changes  in blood  cholinesterase   activity,
                               C-15

-------
                                          TABLE 6

                  Repeated Exposure by Vapor Inhalation to EB in Animals*
Species
rat



guinea
pig

rabbit


rhesus
monkey
Average Vapor
Concentrations
pp» «g/i
2,200
1,250
600
400
1,250
600
400
1,250
600
400
600
400
9.5
5.4
2.6
1.7
5.4
2.6
1.7
5.4
2.6
1.7
2.6
1.7
Sex
male
both
both
both
female
both
both
female
both
both
both
female
7hr.
Exposures
No.
103
138
130
130
138
130
130
138
130
130
130
130
Duratioi
144
214
186
186
214
186
186
214
186
186
186
186
1 Effects**

G++J Lw+r Kw++; Lp+; Kp+
G+j Lw+; Kw+f
Lv+; Kw+
Lw+j Kw+
G+
Lw+
no effect

Tp+
no effect
Lv+) Tp+
no effect
Lp+f Kp+










 *Sourcei  Wolf, et al. 1956
**G
  v
  P
  L
  K
  T
growth depression
weight
histopathology
liver
kidney
testes
The intensity of response is noted as follows:
 ± • questionable
 + • slight
++ - moderate
                                         C-16

-------
decreased  plasma alb main,  increased  plasma globulins,  leukocyte-
sis,  reticulocytosis,  cellular  infiltration and  lipid dystrophy in
the liver,  dyatrophic  changes  in the  kidney and  muscle chronaxia."
Synergism and/or Antagonism
      Pertinent  data could not be located  in the available  litera-
ture  regarding  the  possible synergism and/or antagonism of  EB with
other  substances.
Teratogenicity
     Pertinent  data could not be located  in the  available  litera-
ture  regarding  the  terotogenic activity of EB.
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
     Pertinent  data could not be located  in the  available  litera-
ture regarding the mutagenicity of EB, although four  common  metabo-
lites  of EB  (d-1-mandelic, phenylglyoxylic,  and hippuric acids)
gave  negative   results  in  the  Ames  test  using the  five  tester
strains  (Salmona, et al.  1976).
     Pertinent  data could not be located  in the  available  litera-
ture regarding  the carcinogenicity of EB.
     Speculation on mutagenic and carcinogenic  activities may be
appropriate.  Gillete, et al. (1974) have  reviewed certain  consid-
erations of drug toxicity including those  related to  possible  car-
cinogens.   EB  or   its  known metabolites  in  man and  in  animals
(Bardodej and Bardedjova, 1970;  Kiese  and Lenk, 1973,  1974;  McMahon
and Sullivan, 1966)  do not  fit  into  any  of  the  presently  known
physical/chemical  categories  of  ouitagenic   and/or   carcinogenic
agents.  Although EB metabolites do not show any mutagenic  activi-
ty/ styrene, an  EB  manufacturing  product,  can undergo  metabolism to
                              C-17

-------
an epoxide Intermediate (Salmona,  et al.  1976), which  is a possible
carcinogen and which demonstrates a positive mutagenic response in
the Ames test.
                              C-18

-------
                     CRITERION  FORMULATION
Existing Guidelines  and  Standards
     The U.S. Occupational  Standard  for  "permissable*  exposure has
been set at  100 ppm  (435 mg/m  )  (American Conference of Governmen-
tal Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH),  1974,  1977; U.S. EPA, 1976; 40 FR
1910.1034).  At  this level  of exposure eye irritation is minimal.
The Soviet standards  (TLV)  for EB  are  approximately 8-fold  less
than current U.S. TLV  standards  (ACGIH,  1974).
Current Levels of Exposure
     Airt Several investigators  have reported that ethylbenzene  is
present in the ambient atmosphere at a level of approximately  0.01
ppm.  (Altshuller and Beliar, 1963;  Lonneman,  et al. 1968; Neligan,
et al. 1965).
     Wateri Shackelford and Keith (1976)  reviewed the literature  on
EB contamination and concluded that  it was detected in most of the
potable waters tested. No data were  reported on the levels of EB  in
potable waters.
     Food:   With the  exception of  the  report by Kinlan,  et al.
(1972), EB has not been  reported to be present in food.
     Industrials  EB can be  found in  a  number of volatile compounds
with widespread industrial use (including gasoline and solvents).
Special Groups at Risk
     Those individuals who are involved in the  use of petroleum by-
products, e.g., polymerisation workers involved in styrene produc-
tion,  may be at risk.  In a  study of  494  styrene workers, Lilis,  et
al. (1978) reported various  neurotoxic manifestations.   These in-
cluded prenarcotic  symptoms,  incoordination,  dixsiness,  headache
                               C-19

-------
and nausea (13 percent of worker group),  and a decrease in a radial
and peroneal nerve conduction velocity  (19 percent of workers).  In
50 percent of the workers, distal hypoasthesia involving the lower
limbs was observed.   It is difficult to assess occupational reports
evaluating such  a situation since these workers are  exposed  to a
ntnber of different precursors, by-products, and end products.  In
this particular study, toxic effects were reported,  but there was a
general lack  of  symptoas among workers who were exposed  for  many
years, suggesting  that the  risk of severe neurologic deficiencies
may be minimal.   Recently, however, Harkonen, et al. (1978) report-
ed on  the relationship  between styrene  exposure and  symptoms of
central  nervous  system  dysfunction  in 98  occupationally  exposed
workers.  Urinary mandelic acid concentration was used as an index
of exposure intensity.  Although no exposure-response relationship
was observed  between symptoms of  ill  health  and  urinary mandelic
acid concentration, the exposed group expressed significantly more
symptoms  than the  unexposed group.    Symptoms  included  abnormal
electro-encephalograms,  and  impaired psychological  functions  such
as visuomotor accuracy and paychomotor performance.
     A  National  Institute   for Occupational  Safety  and  Health
(NIOSH) report by  Rivera and Rostand  (1975) on worker exposure to
various lacquer constituents  (including EB in a baseball bat manu-
facturing facility)  concluded that no health  hazard  existed  with
the exception of mucous  membrane  irritation and  the potential for
contact dermatitis  under the conditions  at  the plant.   This occu-
pational  situation  again illustrates  the fact  that these workers
were exposed  to more  than one chemical in addition  to EB.
                               C-20

-------
      Cigarettes contain 7 to 20 x 10"6g of EB per cigarette (John-
 atone,  et  al. 1962).  Conkle, et al. 1975 have reported that moder-
 ate  cigarette smokers expired up to 14 x 10 ~6 g/hr of EB (during an
 eight-hour measurement).
      Groups  of  individuals who  are exposed to EB to  the  greatest
 extent  and could represent potential pools for the expression of EB
 toxicity  includei  (1)  individuals  in commercial situations  where
 petroleum products or by-products are manufactured (e.g.,  rubber or
 plastics  industry);  (2)  individuals residing  in areas with  high
 atmospheric smog generated by motor  vehicle emissions.
 Basis and Derivation of Criteria
     The  threshold   limit value  (TLV)  of 435  mg/m3  (100 ppm)  EB
 represents what is believed to be a maximal concentration  to which
 a worker may be exposed for eight hours  per day,  five days  per week
 over his working lifetime without hazard  to  health  or well-being
 (ACGIH, 1977).   To  the  TLV,  Stokinger  and Woodward  (1958) apply
 terms expressing respiratory volume  during  an eight  hour period
 (assumed  to  be  10  m3) and  a respiratory  absorption  coefficient
 appropriate to the substance under consideration.  In addition,  the
 five-day-per-week occupational  exposure  is  often converted  to a
 seven-day-per-week  equivalent in keeping  with  the more continuous
pattern of exposure to drinking water.
     According to the model, the amount of ethylbenxene that may be
absorbed without effect can be calculated as follows:

435 mg/m3	I 10 n3	I 0.5*    15/7 week • 1555 mq/day
 (TLV)         Respiratory     Respiratory Proportion      Maximum
                Intake         Absorption   of week     Noninjurious
                 Term         Coefficient   Exposed       Intake
                              C-21

-------
A. safety factor of 1000 is used since no long-term or acute  inges-
tion human data are available,  and  there  is very little  information
from  experimental animals  (National Academy  of  Sciences  (HAS),
1977).   Thus,  1555  mg/day divided  by  1000 • an  allowable daily
intake (ADI) of 1.555 or 1.6 mg/day.
     To calculate an acceptable amount of EB in ambient water,  the
methodology assumes a maximal daily intake  of 2 liters of water  per
day, the consumption of 6.5 grams of fish/shellfish per  day,  a bio-
concentration factor of 37.5 for fish and 50 percent absorption.
	(x)   (2 + 37.5 (0.0065))    0.8*      	1.6 mg/day
     Upper          Oral        Gastrointestinal      Maximum
     Intake        Intake          Absorption       Noninjurious
     Limit          Term           Coefficient          Intake
Solving for x,  the value derived is 0.89 mg/1. According to  Stok-
inger and Woodward (1958),
     This  derived value  represents an  approximate limiting
     concentration for a healthy adult population;  it is only
     a first  approximation  in the development of a tentative
     water  quality  criterion.... several adjustments  in this
     value  may  be necessary...Other factors,  such as  taste,
     odor and color may outweigh  health considerations because
     acceptable limits  for  these may be  below  the estimated
     health limit.
     It should  also  be  noted  that  the basis  for  the above  recom-
mended limit,  the TLV  for  EB,  is  the prevention  of  irritation,
rather than chronic effects (ACGIH, 1977).  Should chronic effects
data become available, both TLVs and recommendations based on them
will warrant reconsideration.
*Given the chemical and physical properties of ethylbenzene,  these*
 absorption coefficients seem reasonable.  They are recognized  to be
 somewhat judgemental  due  to the limited data; however, their ef-
 fect on the final criteria  is minimal.
                               C-22

-------
     A  second approach  in calculating an  allowable daily  intake
 (ADI) level of EB in humans  involves  the use of  the  no-observable-
 adverse-effect  level  (NOAEL) in  the  six month  toxicity study  by
Wolf, et al.  (1956).  Table  6 indicates that 136.0 mg/kg/day of  EB
 produced  no observable  effects following  oral  administration  in
 rats.  A 70 kg man  could then ingest  9,520  rag of EB/day.  Using  a
 safety  factor of 1,000  {HAS,  1977),   this daily  intake would  be
 reduced  to  9.5  mg of EB/day.   Using the same  equation as above,
assuming 2  liters of water and  6.5 g of fish ingested per day the
equation becomes:
     I  (2 + 0.0065 x 37.5)  • 0.5  - 9.5
                         1.12 Z  • 9.5
                             I  - 8.5 mg/1
Therefore, using two different endpoints  a criterion  of  1.4 mg/1 or
8.5 mg/1 was  calculated.  Although  both  criteria are defensible,
the criterion based on  the  TLV  is  recommended for two reasons.
First,  the  animal toxicity  study  involved  an exposure period of
only six months.   Secondly,  the TLV represents a  body of human
experience  with  the chemical which is apparently  protective.   It
should be noted  that the criteria are not substantially  different.
     The assumptions  used to derive  the Acceptable Daily Intake
 (ADI) were  based on the  TLV  for EB.   Several of these assumptions
can be  supported  further by  published datat  (1) Although the TLV
of  435  mg/m  was based  on  irritation,  Bardodej and   Bardedjova
(1970)  reported  a NOEL  of 370  mg/m  , with higher  levels causing
fatigue, sleepiness,  and  headache,  in  addition  to  eye  and res-
piratory tract  irritation;  (2)  although a 50  percent   inhalation
                               C-23

-------
absorption factor was used, Bordodej and Bardedjova  (1970) reported
that 64  percent of  the  EB vapor was  retained  (absorbed)  in the
respiratory tract;  (3)  the Wolf,  et al. (1956) dosing study, upon
which a  no-effect  dose  level for EB-contarninated water  is based,
was carried out with ethylbenzene dissolved  in olive oil.   It has
been demonstrated  (Withey, 1976a,b) that  the rate  and  extent of
uptake fron the G.I.  tract of  lipid soluble compounds is greatly
reduced when solutions in vegetable  oil  rather than water are  used;
(4) a  safety factor  of  1,000  was used  since no chronic toxicity
studies or reports on the  teratogenicity, mutagenicity or carcino-
gen icity  of EB are  available;  and  (5)  extrapolating  the  dose
effects from rat to man  based on the  no-effect data of Wolf, et al.
(1956) assumes, in part, equal  absorption, distribution and excre-
tion of EB.  Extensive  animal data  are  necessary before  a defini-
tive value can  be determined.   It is to  be stressed  that this cri-
terion is  based on inadequate  chronic effects data  and  should be
re-evaluated upon completion of chronic  oral  toxicity studies.
     In Bunaary, based on a threshold limit value and an uncertain-
ty factor of 1,000,  the criterion level for  ethylbenzene correspond-
ing to the calculated acceptable daily  intake of 1.6 mg/day is 1.4
mg/1.   Drinking water contributes 89 percent of the assumed  expo-
sure,  while eating contaminated fish products  accounts for 11 per-
cent.   The criterion level can  alternatively be expressed as 3.28
mg/1 if exposure is  assumed  to  be from  the consumption of fish and
shellfish  products alone.
                               C-24

-------
Altshuller, A.P.  and  T.A.  Bellar.   1963.  Gas chromatographic  an-
alysis of  hydrocarbons  in  the Los Angeles  ataosphere.   Jour.  Air
Pollut. Control Assoc.  13s 81.

American Conference of  Governmental Industrial Hygienists.   1974.
Documentation of  threshold limit values.

American Conference of  Governmental industrial Hygienists.   1977.
Threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents
in the workroom environment with intended changes for 1977.

Bardodejr Z. and E.  Bardedjova.  1970.  Biotransformation of ethyl-
ben»ene, styrene,  and alpha-methylstyrene  in man.   Am.  Ind.  Hyg.
Assoc. Jour.  206.

Burnham, A.K.,  et al.   1972.   Identification  and  estimation of
neutral  organic  contaminants  in  potable  water.    Anal.     Chem.
44i 139.

Conkle, J.P., et al.   1975.  Trace  composition of human respiratory
gas.  Arch. Environ. Health.  30:  290.

Dowty, B.J.r et al.  1976.   The transplacental migration and  accu-
mulation in blood of volatile organic constituent*.  Pediatr.  Res.
10s 696.
                              C-25

-------
Outkievicz, T. and H.  Tyras.   1967.   Skin absorption of ethylben-
zene in man.  Br. Jour. Ind. Med.  24: 330.

Dutkievicz, T. and  H.  Tyras.  1968.   Skin absorption of toluene,
styrene and xylene by man.  Br. Jour. Ind. Med.  35: 243.

El Masry, A.M.,  et al.   1956.   Phenaceturic acid, a metabolite of
ethylbenzene.  Biochem. Jour.  64: 50.

Gerarde, H.W.  1959.  Toxicological studies on hydrocarbons.  III.
The biochemorphology of the phenylalkanes and  phenylalkenes.  AMA
Arch. Ind. Health.  19: 403.

Gerarde,  H.W.    1963.   The  Aromatic Hydrocarbons.  III.  In: F.A.
Patty  (ed.),  Industrial Hygiene  and  Toxicology.  John  Wiley and
Sons, Inc., Nev York.  p. 1219

Gillete, J.R., et al.  1974.  Biochemical mechanisms of drug  toxi-
city.  Ann. Rev.  Pharmacol.  14:  271.

Hansch, C. and A.J. Leo.  1979.   Substitute Constants for Correla-
tion Analysis in Chemistry  and Biology.   John Wiley and Sons, Nev
York.  Interscience.   p. 1339.

Harkonen, H., et al.   1978.   Bxposure-tesponse  relationship betveen
styrene exposure and central nervous functions.  Scand. Jour. Work
Environ. Health.  4: 53.
                               C-26

-------
fvanov,  S.V.   1962.   Toxicity of  ethylbenzene.   Tr.  Voronezhsk.
Cos. Med. Inst.  47: 80.

Ivanov, S.V.  1964.  Toxicology and hygienic rating of ethylbenzene
content in the atmosphere of industrial areas.  Gig.   Truda I  Prof.
Zabolevaniga.  8:  9.

Johnstone, R.A.H.,  et  al.   1962.   Composition of  cigarette smokei
some low boiling components.  Nature.  195: 1267.

Kiese, M. and W.  Lenk.   1973.    and (  1)  hydroxylation of 4-chlo-
ropropionanilde by  rabbits  and  rabbit  liver microsomes.   Blochem.
Pharnacol.  22i 2565.

Kiese, M. and W.  Lenk.   1974.  Hydroxyacetophenones:  uninary meta-
bolites of  ethylbenxene and  acetophenone  in  the rabbit.   Xeno-
biotica.  4: 337.

Kinlan, T.E.,  et  al.   1972.  Volatile components in roasted fil-
berts.  Jour. Agric. Food Chem.  20s 1021.

Lilis, R. f  et  al.   1978.   Neurotoxicity  of styrene   in  production
and polymerization workers.  Environ. Res.  15: 133.

Logemann, W.,  et  al. 1964.  Presence of mandelic  acid and  hippuric
acid in the urine of individuals given (oral) ethylbenzene.  Hoppe
Seyler's Z.  Physiol. Chem.   337: 48.
                              C-27

-------
Lonneaan, W.A., et  al.   1968.   Aromatic hydrocarbon in the atmos-
phere of the LOB Angeles basin.  Environ. Sci. Techno1.  2s 117.

McMahon, R.E.  and H.R.  Sullivan.   1966.  Microsomal hydroxylation
of ethylbensene.  Stereospecificity and  the effect of phenobarbital
induction.  Life Sci.  7s 921.

McMahon, R.E.,  et  al.   1969.   Metabolism of  ethylbeniene by  rat
liver microsomes.   Arch. Biochem. Biophys.  132s 575.

National Academy  of Sciences.   1977.   Drinking Water and Health.
Washington, D.C.

Neligan, R.E., et al.  1965.  The gas chroaatographic determination
of aromatic hydrocarbons  in  the atmosphere.    Am.  Chem.  Soc.  Div.
Water Waste Chem. Preprints.  5s 118.

Nencki, N.  1878.   Metabolism  of ethylbeniene and acetophenone  in
dogs.  Jour. Prakt.  Chem.  18s 288.

Nencki, N.  and P. Giacosa.  1880.  Detection of hippuric acid in  the
urine of dogs  administered  ethylbeniene.   Hoppe Seyler's Z.  Phy-
siol. Chem.  4s 325.

Paul, S.K. and S.L.  Soder.   1977.  Ethylbenzene-salient Statistics.
Ins Chemical Economics Handbook.   Stanford Res.  Inst.  Menlo Park,
California.
                               C-28

-------
Rivera,  R.O.  and R.A. Rostand.   1975.   Health hazard  evaluation/
toxicity determination report.   No.  74-121-203.   Hatl.    Inst.
Occup.   Safety Health.

Salmona, M.,  et  al.   1976.  Microsomal styrene mono-oxygenase  and
•tyrene  epoxide hydrase activities in rats.  Zenobiotica.   6: 585.

Shackelford, W.M. and L.H. Keith.  1976.   Frequency of organic con-
pounds identified in water.  EPA 600/4-76-062.  U.S. SPA.

Smyth, H.F. Jr.,  et al.  1962.  Range-finding  toxicity data.   List.
VI. Ind. Hyg. Jour.  95.

Stephan, C.E.  1980.  Memorandum to J. Stara.  D.S. EPA.  July  3.

StoJcinger, H.E. and R.L. Woodward.  1958.  Toxicologic methods  for
establishing  drinking water  standards.   Jour.  Am. Water Works
Assoc.   50s 515.

U.S. EPA.   1975.   Preliminary assessment of suspected carcinogens
in drinking water.  U.S. Off. To*. Subst. GPO 757-140/6639.

U.S. EPA.  1976.   Preliminary scoring of selected organic air pol-
lutants.
                              C-29

-------
U.S. EPA.   1980.   Seafood  consumption data  analysis.   Stanford
Research Institute International.  Menlo  Park, California.   Final
Report, Task 11.  Contract No. 68-01-3887.

Veith,  G.D.    1980.    Memorandum to  C.E.  Stephan.   U.S.  EPA.
April 14.

Veith,  G.D.,  et al.   1979.   Measuring  and estimating the biocon-
centration factor  of  chemicals in fish.   Jour.  Fish.  Res.  Board
Can.  36t 1040.

Withey, J.R.   1976a.   Quantitative analysis of styrene monomer  in
polystyrene and  foods,  including some  preliminary  studies  of the
uptake  and pharmacodynamics  of  the  monomer  in rats.   Environ.
Health  Perspect.  17: 125.

Withey, J.R.  1976b.   Pharmacodynamics and uptake of vinyl chloride
monomer  administered  by various  routes to rats.   Jour.  Tozicol.
Environ. Health.  It 381.

Wolf, M.A., et al.   1956.   Toxicological studies of certain alky-
lated benzenes and benzene.  Arch. Ind. Health.   14: 387.

Wolff,  M.S.,  et al.   1977.   Styrene and related hydrocarbons  in
subcutaneous  fat  from  polymerization  workers.    Jour.  Tozicol.
Environ. Health.  2: 997.
                               C-30

-------
Tantf M.P.,  et  al.   1930.   Acute response of guinea pigs to vapors
of some new conaercial organic  compounds.   II.   Ethylbenzene.  Pub.
Health Rep.   45i  1241.
*u. i. aovnmmrr namtoomct- iwo
                               C-31

-------