Octachloronaphthalene

Synonyms

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-Octachloronaphthalene; Halowax 1051; Naphthalene, octachloro-; Octachloro naphthalene; Octachloronaphthalene; Perchloronaphthalene; Perna; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Halowaxes

Description

Waxy, pale-yellow solid with an aromatic odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as additives to lubricants and cable insulation (fire retardants); [ACGIH]

Comments

Chlorinated naphthalenes may be absorbed through the skin. They cause liver injury and hyperkeratosis in experimental animals. Penta- and hexachloronaphthalene may cause in exposed workers acne-like lesions that itch severely. Tri-, tetra-, and octachloronaphthalene are non-acnegenic under the conditions of industrial use. Nine occupational fatalities from chlorinated naphthalene poisoning have been reported. Most cases of intoxication among cable workers, assemblers, and laborers involve either penta- or hexachloronaphthalene. A nonfatal case of toxic hepatitis was reported in an 18 year old female who was soldering electrical condensers. [ACGIH] Acne-form dermatitis is listed as an adverse effect for all of the halowaxes except trichloronaphthalene in the NIOSH Pocket Guide. "Overexposure to octachloronaphthalene may cause an acne like skin rash. It may also injure the liver, resulting in such effects as fatigue, dark urine, yellow jaundice, and possibly death." [NIOSH Guidelines for Chemical Hazards]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

0.1 mg/m3

0.3 mg/m3

0.1 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: AIHA [1966] reported that the atmospheric concentration immediately hazardous to life is probably unattainable for the chloronaphthalenes with the possible exception of monochloronaphthalene. . . . Basis for revised IDLH: Due to a lack of relevant acute toxicity data, the IDLH for octachloronaphthalene remains "Unknown."

1.1E-08 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

flash point > 430 deg C; VP from HSDB;

Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)

Chloracne

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Chloracne
• Hepatitis, chemical