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International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

ortho- AND para-DICHLOROBENZENES

VOL.: 29 (1982) (p. 213)

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Experimental data

No adequate study on ortho-dichlorobenzene was available to the Working Group, and no data were available on para-dichlorobenzene.

No data were available to evaluate the teratogenicity of these compounds to experimental animals.

Neither ortho- nor para-dichlorobenzene was mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium. Mutagenic or clastogenic activity in other cell systems has not been substantiated.

5.2 Human data

Occupational exposure to ortho-dichlorobenzene occurs during its manufacture, its conversion to 3,4-dichloroaniline and other derivatives and its use as a solvent in toluene diisocyanate production and for other purposes. Its use in manufacturing and solvents may also be significant sources of discharges into water.

Occupational exposure to para-dichlorobenzene occurs during its manufacture, its conversion to polyphenylene sulphide resins and its use as an air deodorant and moth control agent. These two uses are also potential sources of exposure for the general population.

One case report has suggested an association between leukaemia and exposure to dichlorobenzenes.

No data were available to assess the mutagenicity or teratogenicity of this compound to man.

5.3 Evaluation

No adequate data were available to evaluate the carcinogenicity of ortho- or para-dichlorobenzene to experimental animals.

The epidemiological data were inadequate to evaluate the carcinogenicity of dichlorobenzenes.

No evaluation could be made of the carcinogenicity of para- or ortho-dichlorobenzene to man.

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Previous evaluation: Vol. 7 (1974)

Subsequent evaluations: Suppl. 7 (1987); Vol. 73 (1999)

Last updated: 30 September 1999 





























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