United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Pollution Prevention
and Toxics
(7407)
December 1994
EPA 749-F-95-002
v>EPA OPPT Chemical Fact Sheets
Aniline Fact Sheet (CAS No. 62-53-3)
Chemicals can be released to the environment as a result of their
manufacture, processing, and use. EPA has developed information
summaries on selected chemicals to describe how you might be
exposed to these chemicals, how exposure to them might affect you
and the environment, what happens to them in the environment, who
regulates them, and whom to contact for additional information. EPA
is committed to reducing environmental releases of chemicals through
source reduction and other practices that reduce creation of pollutants.
WHAT IS ANILINE, HOW IS IT USED, AND HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?
Aniline (also called aminobenzene) is an oily, flammable liquid. It occurs naturally in some foods. It is
produced in very large amounts (1 billion pounds in 1992) by seven companies in the United States. U.S.
demand is likely to increase 3% to 4% per year for the next several years. The largest users of aniline are
companies that make isocyanates, especially methyl diphenyl diisocyanate. Other companies use aniline to make
pesticides, dyes, and rubber. Companies also use smaller amounts of aniline to make drugs, photographic
chemicals, varnishes, and explosives.
Exposure to aniline can occur in the workplace or in the environment following releases to air, water, land,
or groundwater. It enters the body when people breathe air or consume food or water contaminated with aniline.
It can also be absorbed through skin contact. It does not remain in the body due to its breakdown and removal.
WHAT HAPPENS TO ANILINE IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
Aniline can evaporate when exposed to air. It dissolves when mixed with water. Most releases of aniline to
the U.S. environment are to underground injection sites and to air. In air, aniline breaks down to other
chemicals. Sunlight also breaks down aniline in surface water and in soil. Microorganisms that live in water and
in soil can also break down aniline. Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil, aniline that makes its
way into the ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals are not likely to
store aniline.
Aniline Fact Sheet (CAS No. 62-53-3)
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HOW DOES ANILINE AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
The effects of aniline on human health and the environment depend on how much aniline is present and the
length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the condition of the
environment when exposure occurs.
Breathing large amounts of aniline for short periods of time decreases the ability of blood to carry oxygen.
Lack of oxygen causes effects ranging from headache and light headedness to disorientation, coma, and death.
Single exposures to large amounts of aniline can also damage the spleen. Prompt and proper treatment can
usually reverse the nonlethal acute effects of aniline. These effects are not likely to occur at levels of aniline that
are normally found in the U.S. environment.
Workers exposed to small amounts of aniline in air over several years experience adverse blood effects.
Limited evidence suggests aniline may also cause adverse reproductive effects in humans. Other human health
effects associated with exposure to aniline over long periods of time are not known. Laboratory studies show
that repeat exposure to large amounts of aniline in the diet over a lifetime causes cancer in animals. Aniline may
likewise cause cancer in humans. Repeat exposure to large amounts of aniline in the diet also causes adverse
effects on the spleen and blood of animals. Laboratory studies show that repeat exposure to small amounts of
aniline in air decreases the ability of blood to carry oxygen in animals .
The aniline industry has completed aquatic toxicity studies in response to an EPA request for testing. These
tests show that aniline is highly toxic to aquatic life.
WHAT EPA OFFICES OR OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES OR OTHER GROUPS CAN I CONTACT
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ANILINE?
EPA OFFICE LAW PHONE NUMBER
Pollution Prevention Pollution Prevention Act (202)260-1023
& Toxics Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act (§ 313/Toxics
Release Inventory) (800) 535-0202
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
(§4, 8D) (202)554-1404
Air Clean Air Act (919)541-0888
Solid Waste & Resource Conservation and
Emergency Response Recovery Act (RCRA) (800) 535-0202
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and
Liability Act (CERCLA) (800) 535-0202
Water Clean Water Act (202) 260-7588
For general information on reducing or eliminating industrial pollutants through technology transfer, education, and
public awareness, contact the Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse, (202) 260-1023.
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES/DEPARTMENT OR GROUPS PHONE NUMBER
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (513) 742-2020
Consumer Product Safety Commission (301) 504-0994
Food & Drug Administration (301) 443-3170
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (800) 356-4674
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
(Check local phone book for phone number under Department of Labor)
The Support Document for this and other OPPT Chemical Fact Sheets can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.epa.gov/chemfact
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