Dichlorobenzene Fact Sheet

Source of Exposure

Dichlorobenzene is used as a chemical intermediate in deodorants, disinfectants, insecticides, fumigants, metal polishes, and moth-proofing. In addition, it has applications in laquers and paint products. Dichlorobenzene is used frequently as an industrial solvent. Exposure can occur from inhalation during the manufacturing process or from exposure to household products such as deodorants.

Symptoms

Low concentrations of dichlorobenzene will cause irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. As concentrations increase, nausea, jaundice, anemia, and headaches will develop. Chronic exposure may also lead to hepatic necrosis and cirrhosis.

Blood Concentrations

Data shows the blood concentrations of the general population to be less than 1 PPB for dichlorobenzene. The Threshold Limit Value for exposure has been set at 7500 PPB in ambient air. Blood concentrations are not available for workers exposed to the TLV.

Toxic Levels

Quantitative data is limited on the toxic effects of dichlorobenzene. Individuals who have been sensitized may manifest negative health effects at concentrations well within the ranges considered safe for the average population. (See Chemically Hypersensitive Patients.)

Metabolism

Dichlorobenzene is metabolized to dichlorophenol and excreted in the urine. The half-life of this chemical in the body has not been established.

Summary

Classification:   Halogenated Hydrocarbon
Population Average:   <1.0 PPB (whole blood)
Threshold Limit Value:   7500 PPB (air)
Onset of Symptoms:   Data not available
Death:   Data not available
Half Life:   Data not available
LD5O:   326 mg/kg

References

-Alessio, L., Berlin, A., Roi, R., and Boni, M. (Eds.) Human biological monitoring of industrial chemicals series, Luxemberg, Commission of European Communities, 1983.

-Azouz, W.M., Parke, D.V., and Williams, R.T., "The metabolism of halogenobenzenes. Ortho- and para-dichlorobenzenes," Biochem.J. 59:410-415, 1955.

-Baselt, R.D. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 2nd Ed., Davis, CA: Biomedical Publications, 1982.

-Clayton, G.D. and Clayton, F.E., Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, vol. 2B, 3rd ed., Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1981.

-Cotter, L.H., "Paradichlorobenzene poisoning from insecticides," N.Y. State J. Med. 53: 1690-16929 1953.

-Doull, J. et al., Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, 2nd ed., Macmillan, New York, 1980.

-Hawkins, R. L. 9 Chasseaud, L.F., Woodhouse, R.N. and Cresswell, D.G., “The distribution, excretion and biotransformation of p-dichloro(14C)benzene in rats after repeated inhalation, oral and subcutaneous doses," Xenobiotica 10: 81-95, 1980.

-Hollingsworth, R. L. Rowe, V.K., Oyen, F. et al., "Toxicity of paradichlorobenzene," Arch.Hyg.Occ.Med. 14: 138-147, 1956.

-Last, J.M., Maxcy-Rosenau Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 11th ed., Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1980.

-McKinney, J.D. , Fishbein, L. , Fletcher, C.E. and Barthel, W.F. , "The electron-capture gas chromatography of paradichlorobenzene metabolites as a measure of exposure," Bull.Env.Cont.Tox. 5: 356-361, 1970.

-Morita, M. and Ohi, G., "Para-dichlorobenzene in human tissue and atmosphere in Tokyo metropolitan area." Env.Pollut. 8: 269-274, 1975.

-Pagnotto, L.D. and Walkley, J.E., "Urinary dichlorophenol as an index of para-dichlorobenzene exposure," Am.Ind.Hyg.Asso.J. 26: 137-142, 1965.

-Plunkett, E.R., Handbook of Industrial Toxicology, Chemical Publishing Co., New York, 1976.

-Sax, N.I., Ed., Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials Report, 4, No. 2, 45-48, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1984 –(I,3-Dichlorobenzene).

-Sax, N.I., Ed., Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials Report, 4, No. 2, 49-52, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1984 (1,4-Dichlorobenzene).

-Seba, D. B. , Mi lam, M. J. and Laseter , J. L. "Uptake, measurement and elimination of synthetic chemicals by man", in Brostoff, J . and Challacombe, S.J. (Eds) Food Allergy and Intolerance, London: Bailliere Tindall, 1987.

-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Dichlorobenzene: Ambient.Water Quality Criteria, Washington, DC, 1980.