Halogenated Benzenes

Abstract

Abstract This group of chemicals is derived through substitutions of chlorine for hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring. The toxicological properties of chlorinated benzenes differ substantially from benzene in that they lack the hematological toxicity and leukemogenic activity that have been associated with benzene. The compounds have an aromatic odor with lower volatilities, higher densities, and lower flammabilities than the parent compound benzene. Some of the settings in which exposures may be encountered are in manufacturing sites, home and public areas where deodorants or disinfectants are present, and in the applications of the materials such as fumigants, insecticides, lacquers, paints, and seed disinfection products. Because a substantial number of studies have focused on comparative evaluations of compounds in this chemical group, the results of these investigations are presented below prior to detailed discussions of individual compounds. In addition, a summary of various regulatory classifications of these compounds is provided.