Agent Name
Pentachloronaphthalene
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Halowax 1013; [NIOSH]
Description
Pale-yellow or white solid or powder 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. A skin and eye irritant; [ICSC]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
0.5 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: AIHA [1970] 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 pentachloronaphthalene remains "Unknown."
Vapor Pressure
1.49E-05 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP = < 1 mm HG at 20 deg C; [HSDB]
Hepatotoxin
Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: