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TOXFAQS
1,4-DICHLOROBENZENE
APRIL 1993
_________________________________________________________________
AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY
_________________________________________________________________
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions
about 1,4-dichlorobenzene. For more information, you may call
404-639-6000. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about
hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is
important because this substance may harm you. The effects of
exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration,
how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other
chemicals are present.
_________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY: Exposure to 1,4-dichlorobenzene happens mostly from breathing
high levels in indoor air or workplace air. Extremely high exposures
can cause dizziness, headaches, and liver problems.
1,4-Dichlorobenzene has been found in at least 244 of 1,300 National
Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
What is 1,4-dichlorobenzene?
(Pronounced di - klo'ro - ben'zeen)
1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a chemical used to control moths, molds, and
mildew, and to deodorize restrooms and waste containers. It is also
called para-DCB or p-DCB. Other names include Paramoth, para crystals,
and paracide reflecting its widespread use to kill moths.
At room temperature, p-DCB is a white or colorless solid with a
strong, pungent odor. When exposed to air, it slowly changes from a
solid to a vapor. It is the vapor that acts as a deodorizer or insect
killer.
Most people recognize the odor as the smell of mothballs, and can
smell p-DCB in the air at very low levels.
Most p-DCB in our environment comes from its use in moth repellent
products and in toilet deodorizer blocks.
What happens to 1,4-dichlorobenzene when it enters the environment?
* In air, it breaks down to harmless products in about a month.
* It does not dissolve easily in water.
* It evaporates easily from water and soil, so most is found in the
air.
* It is not easily broken down by soil organisms.
* It is taken up and retained by plants and fish.
How might I be exposed to 1,4-dichlorobenzene?
* Breathing indoor air in public restrooms and homes that use p-DCB
as a deodorizer
* Breathing air around some mothballs (check the label)
* Breathing workplace air where p-DCB is manufactured
* Drinking contaminated water around hazardous waste sites
* Eating foods such as pork, chicken, and eggs that are contaminated
with p-DCB from its use as an odor control product in animal
stalls
* Eating fish from contaminated waters
* Infants can be exposed by drinking human breast milk from mothers
exposed to p-DCB
How can 1,4-dichlorobenzene affect my health?
There is no evidence that moderate use of common household products
that contain p-DCB will result in harmful effects to your health.
Harmful effects, however, may occur from high exposures.
Very high usage of p-DCB products in the home can result in dizziness,
headaches, and liver problems. Some of the patients who developed
these symptoms had been using the products for months or even years
after they first began to feel ill.
Workers breathing high levels of p-DCB (1,000 times more than levels
in deodorized rooms) have reported painful irritation of the nose and
eyes.
There are cases of people who have eaten p-DCB products regularly for
months to years because of the sweet taste. These people had skin
blotches and lower numbers of red blood cells.
There is no direct evidence that p-DCB can cause birth defects or
affect reproduction in humans.
Animal studies indicate that breathing or eating p-DCB can harm the
liver, kidney, and blood.
We have no studies on the health effects from skin contact with p-DCB.
How likely is 1,4-dichlorobenzene to cause cancer?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that
p-DCB may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen.
There is no direct evidence that p-DCB can cause cancer in humans,
however, animals given very high amounts in water developed liver and
kidney tumors.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to
1,4-dichlorobenzene?
Tests are available to measure your exposure to p-DCB. The most common
test measures a breakdown product of p-DCB called
2,5-dichlorophenolurine. It is measured in the urine and blood.
If there is 2,5-dichlorophenol in the urine, it indicates that the
person was exposed to p-DCB within the previous day or two. The test
that measures p-DCB in your blood is less common.
These tests require special equipment not routinely available in a
doctor's office. You or your doctor will need to send samples to a
special laboratory.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human
health?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists p-DCB as a hazardous
waste to be regulated. The EPA sets a maximum level of 75 micrograms
of p-DCB per liter of drinking water (75 5g/L). One 5g is one million
times less than a gram. p-DCB is also an EPA-registered pesticide.
Manufacturers must provide certain information to EPA for it to be
used as a pesticide.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a
maximum level of 75 parts of p-DCB per million parts air in the
workplace (75 ppm) for an 8-hour day, 40-hour workweek.
Glossary
Carcinogen:
Substance that can cause cancer.
Ingestion:
Taking food or drink into your body.
Microgram (5g):
One millionth of a gram.
PPM:
Parts per million.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1993.
Toxicological profile for 1,4-dichlorobenzene. Atlanta: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health
clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat
illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can
also contact your community or state health or environmental quality
department if you have any more questions or concerns. For more
information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 404-639-6000
[IMAGE] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
_________________________________________________________________
Link to ATSDR Science Corner
Link to ATSDR Home Page
_________________________________________________________________
Charlie Xintaras / [log in to unmask]
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