Benzo[a]pyrene SDS/MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

3.1 Substances
Product name: Benzo[a]pyrene
CAS Number: 50-32-8
PubChem CID: 2336
Molecular formula: C20H12
Molecular weight: 252.3 g/mol
IUPAC name: benzo[a]pyrene

3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).

4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: Fresh air, rest.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).
Ingestion: Rinse mouth.

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
See Section 11 (Toxicological Information).

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically. Contact a poison control center or physician for severe exposure.

5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable: None known.

5.2 Specific hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
CAUTION: Fire involving Safety devices (UN3268) and Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN3559) may have a delayed activation and a risk of hazardous projectiles. Extinguish the fire at a safe distance.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)
In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Poisonous gases are produced in fire including carbon monoxide. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position.
If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Use dry chemical, dry sand, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.
For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for Benzo(a)pyrene (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

5.3 Advice for firefighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Fight fire from upwind. Cool containers with water spray until fire is extinguished.

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
Avoid breathing dust/vapor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep people away from and upwind of spill.

6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Contain spill with inert absorbent material.

6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area of spill or leak after cleanup is complete. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters.
Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete.
Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.
For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for Benzo(a)pyrene (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.
Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U022, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
A good potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids. Also, a good potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids.
For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Benzo(a)pyrene (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Benzo(a)pyrene (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust. Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL SPILL: Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2024)
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Cool. Dry.
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizing chemicals (such as chlorates, perchlorates, permanganates, and nitrates). A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance with OSHA standard 1910.1045.
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Cool. Dry.
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizing chemicals (such as chlorates, perchlorates, permanganates, and nitrates). A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance with OSHA standard 1910.1045.
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
[Note: Specific storage temperature not available in public databases. Refer to supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact storage conditions.]
Store in original container. Keep upright to prevent leakage.

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: Benzo[a]pyrene appears as a liquid. Presents a threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limits its spread to the environment. Easily penetrates the soil and contaminates groundwater or nearby waterways.
b) Odor: Faint aromatic odor
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: No data available
e) Melting point/freezing point: 349.7 to 351.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: 887 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
g) Flash point: No data available
h) Evaporation rate: No data available
i) Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
k) Vapor pressure: 5.49e-09 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: greater than 1 (NTP, 1992)
n) Water solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): 6
p) Auto-ignition temperature: No data available
q) Decomposition temperature: No data available
r) Viscosity: No data available
s) Explosive properties: No data available
t) Oxidizing properties: No data available

9.2 Other information
Complexity: 372

11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No acute toxicity data available.
Skin corrosion/irritation:
Causes skin irritation (H315).
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
No data available.
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317).
Germ cell mutagenicity:
May cause genetic defects (H340).
Carcinogenicity:
May cause cancer (H350).
Reproductive toxicity:
May damage fertility or the unborn child (H360).
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
H373
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.

11.2 Additional information
Carcinogen classification:
Benzo[a]pyrene
Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)
Volume 92: (2010) Some Non-heterocyclic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Some Related Exposures
Volume 100F: (2012) Chemical Agents and Related Occupations
2012
2009
NB Overall evaluation upgraded to Group 1 based on mechanistic and other relevant data
1, carcinogenic to humans. (L135)
Exposure routes:
Exposure mainly occurs via inhalation.
Oral (L10) ; inhalation (L10) ; dermal (L10)
Signs and symptoms of exposure:
Acute exposure to PAHs causes irritation and inflammation of the skin and lung tissue. (A10)
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.

12.1 Toxicity
LC50; Species: Neanthes arenaceodentata (annelid); Concentration: >1.0 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
LC50; Species: Daphnia pulix (crustacean); Concentration: 0.005 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea) about 4 days old juvenile; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH 8.0, alkalinity 250 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 40 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 32-49 ug/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization
EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea) age < 24 hr neonate; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C; Concentration: 29.3 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 13.32-242.2 ug/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulation/
For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Benzo(a)pyrene (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Thirty-four ducks were given single intratracheal dose of 50-200 mg BaP in Tween 80. Survival rate was poor. One ... /duck/ developed a lung carcinoma, and two had bronchial squamous metaplasia.
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ In this study a suppression subtractive hybridization method was employed to identify differentially expressed genes of the clam Venerupis philippinarum exposed to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). Nineteen known transcripts and seven predicted proteins were found from the subtractive cDNA library of the clam, which could provide more sequence information for further study. Seven of the differentiall

12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): 6
Potential for bioaccumulation exists (Log P > 3).

12.4 Mobility in soil
No data available.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT/vPvB assessment not available.

12.6 Other adverse effects
This substance is classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment.

13.1 Waste treatment methods
Waste Treatment Methods: Waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national and local regulations. Leave chemicals in original containers and do not mix with other waste. Handle uncleaned containers in the same manner as the product itself.

14.1 UN number
Not regulated as dangerous goods (research quantities typically exempt).

14.2 UN proper shipping name
Not subject to transport regulations (small quantities for research use).

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Class 9
DOT label: Class 9

14.4 Packing group
Packing group III

14.5 Environmental hazards
Marine pollutant: Yes (classified as environmentally hazardous per GHS).

14.6 Special precautions for user
Transport in original packaging. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
For bulk or commercial quantities, consult applicable transport regulations (DOT, IATA, IMDG).

14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
US EPA / TSCA: Subject to EPA TSCA regulations
EU ECHA / REACH: Registered under REACH

SARA 302 Components:
No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 313 Components:
This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
SARA 311/312 Hazards:
Acute (short-term) health hazard
Chronic (long-term) health hazard
Environmental hazard

Massachusetts Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Massachusetts Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
Pennsylvania Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
New Jersey Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.

California Prop. 65 Components:
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.

Other regulatory listings:
- California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient: Hazard Traits - Bioaccumulation; Carcinogenicity; Environmental Persistence; Genotoxicity; Neurotoxicity; Reproductive Toxicity Authoritative List - CA MCLs; CA TACs; CWA 303(c); CWA 303(d); EC Annex
- EFSA Legal Basis: Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)
- New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act: The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
- Federal Drinking Water Standards: EPA 0.2 ug/L
Maximum contaminant levels for organic contaminants. ... The following maximum contaminant level for synthetic organic contaminants apply to community water systems and non-transient, non-community water systems: Contaminant: Benzo(a)pyrene; MCL: 0.0002 mg/L.
- Federal Drinking Water Guidelines: Maximum contaminant level goals for organic contaminants. (a) MCLGs are zero for the following contaminant: benzo(a)pyrene.

15.2 Chemical safety assessment
A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out for this substance.
For research-use-only compounds, no CSA is required under REACH Annex I.

Revision Date: 2026/09/08
Further Information: The information provided is believed to be correct but is not exhaustive and should be used only as a guideline based on current knowledge. It does not represent a guarantee of the properties of the product. Selleck Chemicals Corporation and its Affiliates shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or contact with the product.