Aniline

CAS number 62-53-3

Description

Aniline is a clear to slightly yellow liquid with a characteristic odour. It does not readily evaporate at room temperature. Aniline is slightly soluble in water and mixes readily with most organic solvents.

Uses

Aniline is used in the synthesis of dyes, rubber additives, drugs, photographic chemicals, isocyanates, and pesticides. Aniline is predominantly used as a chemical intermediate for the dye, agricultural, polymer, and rubber industries. It is also used as a solvent, and has been used as an antiknock compound for gasolines.

The majority of aniline that gets into the environment is as a waste product from industrial processes, and also sometimes from combustion in forest fires.

Indoor air exposure is usually due to aniline emissions from tobacco smoke or industrial processes if in an occupational setting.

Small amounts of aniline may be found in some foods, such as corn, grains, rhubarb, apples, beans, and rapeseed cake (animal feed). Aniline has also been found as a volatile component of black tea.

Aniline has been detected in drinking water and has also been found in surface water and soil.

Why it can be problematic for human and animal health

Exposure to aniline can be by inhalation, ingestion or through skin or eye contact.

Aniline is shown in scientific literature as being associated with the following chronic health impacts:

Possible carcinogen – bladder cancer
Causes possible damage to the liver
It does not remain in the body due to its breakdown and removal. Aniline is a possible reproductive hazard as it can cause damage to unborn foetus as an endocrine disruptor
Can cause anaemia
Causes stomach upset
Neurotoxic effects e.g. fatigue, confusion, dizziness, cognitive impairment etc

New-born infants are more sensitive to the development of the blood disorder methaemaglobinaemia caused by aniline.

Acute exposure of humans to aniline leads to respiratory distress, skin and eye irritation and the oxidation of the hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs), resulting in the formation of methemoglobin (and a blue colour to skin and lips). Please note any adverse health effects that you may encounter in exposure to a chemical depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.