Hexachlorobenzene exposure in the production of chlorophenols. 1986

D A Marlow

Workers involved in the production of pentachlorophenol (PCP) may be exposed to one of its contaminants, hexachlorobenzene (HCB). PCP is produced commercially in the USA by direct chlorination of phenol with chlorine gas in the presence of a catalyst at gradually rising temperatures up to 200 degrees C. Other contaminants formed in PCP production are isomers of hexa-, hepta- and octachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin and isomers of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and octachlorodibenzofuran. This paper presents the analytical results of personal breathing-zone, area-air and surface-wipe samples collected at a typical PCP manufacturing plant. The personal breathing-zone samples showed that workers were exposed to HCB concentrations ranging from less than 0.0001 to 0.12 mg/m3. Area-air samples taken throughout the manufacturing plant showed that HCB concentrations ranged from less than 0.0001 to 0.63 mg/m3. Surface-wipe samples showed contamination ranging from less than 0.1 to 3.7 micrograms/wipe.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010416 Pentachlorophenol An insecticide and herbicide that has also been used as a wood preservative. Pentachlorphenol is a widespread environmental pollutant. Both chronic and acute pentachlorophenol poisoning are medical concerns. The range of its biological actions is still being actively explored, but it is clearly a potent enzyme inhibitor and has been used as such as an experimental tool. Sodium Pentachlorophenate,Pentachlorophenate, Sodium
D002617 Chemical Industry The aggregate enterprise of manufacturing and technically producing chemicals. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed) Industry, Chemical,Chemical Industries,Industries, Chemical
D002722 Chlorobenzenes Aromatic organic compounds with the chemical formula C6H5Cln.
D002733 Chlorophenols Phenols substituted with one or more chlorine atoms in any position. Chlorophenol,Hydroxychlorobenzenes
D004781 Environmental Exposure The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents in the environment or to environmental factors that may include ionizing radiation, pathogenic organisms, or toxic chemicals. Exposure, Environmental,Environmental Exposures,Exposures, Environmental
D006581 Hexachlorobenzene An agricultural fungicide and seed treatment agent. HCB
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000395 Air Pollutants, Occupational Toxic air-borne matter related to work performed They are usually produced by the specific nature of the occupation. Occupational Air Pollutants,Pollutants, Occupational Air

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