E2638-VOC User Manual
Annex 2 Properties of VOC
Acetone
Synonyms/Trade Names: Dimethyl ketone, Ketone propane, 2-Propanone
Chemical formula
(CH
3
)
2
CO
Molar weight
58
Relative gas density (to air)
2.0
Conversion (at 25°C and 1 atm)
1 ppm = 2.38 mg/m3
Boiling point
56.11 °C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
2.5
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in air 12.8
Odour
Characteristic pungent smell
Hazards
Highly flammable.
Slightly toxic in normal use. Irritant
causing mild skin irritation and
moderate to severe eye irritation.
At high vapour concentrations, it
may depress the CNS.
Exposure limits
8 hours
(2000/39/EC)
1900 mg/m
3
/ 500 ppm
NIOSH REL TWA
590 mg/m
3
/250 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
2500 ppm [10%LEL]
Benzene
Synonyms/Trade Names: Benzol, Phenyl hydride
Chemical formula
C
6
H
6
Molar weight
78
Relative gas density (to air)
2.69
Conversion (at 25°C and 1 atm)
1 ppm = 3.19 mg/m
3
Boiling point
80 °C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
1.2
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in air
7.8
Odour
Hyacinth-like odour
Hazards
Highly flammable.
Irritant. Carcinogen.
May cause dizziness; headache,
nausea, staggered gait; anorexia,
lassitude .
Target organs: eyes, skin,
respiratory system, blood, central
nervous system, bone marrow.
Exposure limits
(NIOSH REL)
Ca TWA
0.319 mg/m
3
/0.1 ppm
STEL
15 minutes
1 ppm
Ca IDLH
500 ppm
Ethanol
Chemical formula
CH
3
CH
2
OH
Molar weight
46
Relative gas density (to air)
1,59
Conversion (at 25°C and 1 atm)
1 ppm = 1.89 mg/m
3
Boiling point
78.37°C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
3 - 3.3
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in air 19
Odour
Characteristic smell of alcohol
Hazards
Highly flammable.
Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Inhalation of vapours leads to
cough, headache, fatigue and
drowsiness. High concentrations
may damage the fetus. Repeated
high exposure may affect the liver
and the nervous system.
Exposure limits according
to Commission Directive
2006/15/EC
TWA
8 hours
1210 mg/m
3
/ 1000 ppm
STEL
15 minutes
-
Ethyl acetate
Chemical formula
Molar weight
88
Conversion (at 25°C and 1 atm)
1 ppm = 3.60 mg/m
3
Boiling point
77.1 °C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
2
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in air 11.5
Odour
Sweet “pear” smell
Hazards
Flammable.
Short-term exposure to high levels
of ethyl acetate results first in
irritation of the eyes, nose and
throat, followed by headache,
nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and
unconsciousness.
Exposure limits (NIOSH)
TWA
8 hours
1400 mg/m
3
/400 ppm
IDLH
2000 ppm [10%LEL]
Toluene
Chemical formula
C
6
H
5
CH
3
Molar weight
92
Conversion (at 25°C and 1 atm)
1 ppm = 3.77 mg/m
3
Boiling point
110.7°C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
1.1 - 1.27
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in air 6.75–7.1
Odour
Characteristic “chemical” smell
Hazards
Highly flammable.
Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Inhalation possible effects:
irritation eyes, nose; lassitude
(weakness, exhaustion),
confusion, euphoria, dizziness,
headache; dilated pupils,
lacrimation (discharge of tears);
anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia;
paraesthesia; dermatitis; liver,
kidney damage
Exposure limits according
to Commission Directive
TWA
192 mg/mm
3
/ 50 ppm
STEL
384 mg/mm
3
/ 100 ppm
Xylene
(the term is used for any one of three isomers of dimethylbenzene, or a combination thereof)
Chemical formula
C
6
H
4
(CH
3
)
2
Isomers
ortho-xylene meta-xylene para-xylene
Molar weight
106
Conversion (at 25°C and 1 atm)
1 ppm = 4.34 mg/m
3
Boiling point
144.4 °C
139 °C
138.35 °C
Low explosive limit (LEL), % vol. in air
0.9 - 1.1
Upper explosive limit (UEL), % vol. in 6.0–7.0
Odour
Characteristic “chemical” smell
Hazards
Flammable.
Inhaling can cause dizziness,
headache, drowsiness, and
nausea.
Exposure limits according
to Commission Directive
2000/39/EC
TWA
8 hours
221 mg/mm
3
/ 50 ppm
STEL
15 minutes
442 mg/mm
3
/ 100 ppm
Terms and abbreviations
TWA: time-weighted average concentration for up to a 8-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. Any substance that NIOSH considers to be a potential occupational carcinogen is designated by the notation "Ca".
STEL: 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday
IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health): likely to cause death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects or prevent escape from such an environment.
REL recommended exposure limits.
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health): the US federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH data are quoted if EU regulations are nor
available.
*Conversion of ppm to mg/m
3
is calculated for 25°C and 1 atm.
