Agent Name
Trichloronaphthalene
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Halowax; Naphthalene, trichloro-; Nibren; Nibren wax; Seekay wax; [ChemIDplus]
Description
Colorless to pale-yellow solid with an aromatic odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in lubricants and in the manufacture of electrical wire insulation; [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 Pocket Guide. [NIOSH] A mild skin and eye irritant; May cause liver injury; [ICSC]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Animal data: Rats and mice exposed to a single 2hour exposure to 200 mg/m3 had no adverse effects [Shakahnovskava 1953]. . . . Basis for revised IDLH: Due to a lack of relevant acute toxicity data, the IDLH for trichloronaphthalene remains "Unknown."
Vapor Pressure
0.000314 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 200 deg C; VP < 1 mm Hg at 20 deg C; [HSDB]
Hepatotoxin
Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: