p-Dichlorobenzene

Synonyms

p-DCB; para-Dichlorobenzene; Dichlorocide; 1,4-Dichlorobenzene; [NIOSH]

Category

Fumigants

Description

Colorless or white crystalline solid with a mothball-like odor. [insecticide]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as an insecticide and fumigant; [ACGIH] Used as a deodorizer for toilets and garbage cans; Also used as a moth repellent and chemical intermediate; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

After daily doses of 500 mg/kg, rats develop focal hepatic necrosis. TLV Basis: eye irritation and kidney damage; Humans report eye irritation at 17 ppm and higher. Renal toxicity is observed in animal experiments at 25 ppm and higher. Hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinuria, and jaundice have been reported after ingestion. [ACGIH] Experimental animals suffer CNS depression and liver and kidney damage after high-dose inhalation studies. [CHEMINFO] Suspected germ cell mutagen (3B); [MAK]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

10 ppm

75 ppm

2 ppm

150 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

No adverse effects were noted in a workplace averaging 105 ppm (range 50 to 170 ppm), but painful irritation of the eyes and nose was found at 80 to 160 ppm, and breathing was difficult at concentrations greater than 160 ppm [Hollingsworth et al. 1956].

1.74 mm Hg

0.12 ppm

Odor Threshold High

15 ppm

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.12 ppm); Melting point = 53 deg C; [CHEMINFO] VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

high ambient temp required

Hemolytic anemia

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Fumigants, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)