Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
CAS Number: 118-74-1
Sources of exposure:
Environmental pollution (water, soil, air), occupational exposure
Description:
Hexachlorobenzene is an organochlorine pesticide formerly used as a fungicide and seed treatment in agriculture. It is classified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention due to its toxicity and long environmental persistence. Although its use is effectively banned worldwide, HCB can still be released as an unintentional byproduct of certain industrial chemical manufacturing processes.
Health concerns:
Cancer
Known or suspected to increase cancer risk in humans.
Reproductive Toxicity
May alter hormone function and harm reproduction.
Developmental Toxicity
May impact fetal development and birth outcomes.
Neurotoxicity
May impact brain function or development.
Organ System Toxicity
May cause organ damage and disease.
Immunotoxicity & Allergens
May impact immune system function or cause allergic reactions.
Ecotoxicity
May be toxic to ecosystems and wildlife.
Banned/restricted lists:
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II - Prohibited
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - cancer
- California Proposition 65 - OEHHA - developmental
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants - Annex A - Elimination
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants - Annex C - Unintentional production
- Rotterdam Convention - Annex III - Prior Informed Consent (PIC) - Pesticide
References
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheminformatics Modules, Computational Toxicology and Exposure Informatics (CompTox). California Department of Public Health. California Safe Cosmetics Reportable Ingredients List. UN Environment Programme. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).