Benzyl chloride: general information
Updated 31 January 2025
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Overview
Benzyl chloride, also known as alpha-chlorotoluene, is a colourless liquid with a sharp irritating odour.
Uses of benzyl chloride
Benzyl chloride is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of dyes, perfumes, photographic chemicals and pharmaceutical products.
How benzyl chloride gets into the environment
Benzyl chloride may be released into the environment during its production and use and from the incineration of products that contain it.
Exposure to benzyl chloride
The general public may be exposed to very low levels of benzyl chloride as a contaminant in air or water.
Exposure to benzyl chloride is most likely to occur in an occupational setting, although safe levels of exposure are enforced to protect workers. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.
How exposure to benzyl chloride can affect your health
The presence of benzyl chloride in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to benzyl chloride by breathing or drinking it, or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter 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.
Breathing in benzyl chloride vapours can cause irritation of the eyes and nose, sore throat, cough, chest tightness, headache, high temperature and confusion. In severe cases lung damage, accumulation of fluid and swelling of the lungs (known as pulmonary oedema), can occur.
Ingestion of benzyl chloride may cause mouth burns and corrosive damage to the digestive tract, stomach upset, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
Skin exposure to benzyl chloride can cause pain, blistering, ulceration and burns. Contact with eyes can cause pain, tearing, inflammation and in severe cases burns.
Benzyl chloride and cancer
Studies show that benzyl chloride alone causes cancer in experimental animals, but there is insufficient evidence in humans. However, studies in workers have shown that combined exposures to chlorinated toluenes (such as benzyl chloride) and another chemical called benzoyl chloride may cause cancer in humans. This mixture of chemicals is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as probably having the ability to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to these chemicals is most likely to occur in the workplace.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
There is limited data available on the direct effects of exposure to benzyl chloride during pregnancy. Therefore, is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to benzyl chloride causes the mother to become unwell.
Vulnerable people
Individuals with breathing problems such as asthmatics may be more sensitive to the effects of inhaling benzyl chloride. This is because it can cause irritation of the airways leading to chest tightness, wheezing and breathlessness.
Children
There is little information on the effects of benzyl chloride on children. It is likely that children exposed to benzyl chloride would experience similar symptoms to those seen in exposed adults.
What to do if you are exposed to benzyl chloride
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of benzyl chloride high enough to cause adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to benzyl chloride seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Additional sources of information
NHS.UK has more information on poisoning.
NHS.UK has more information on burns and scalds.
The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.
Email chemcompendium@phe.gov.uk or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance.
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