National Toxicology Program

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service

National Toxicology Program (NTP); Availability of Technical Report on Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of o­Benzyl­p­Chlorophenol

The HHS' National Toxicology Program announces the availability of the NTP Technical Report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of o­benzyl-p-chlorophenol. o-Benzyl-p-chlorophenol, an aryl halide, is a broad spectrum germicide used in disinfectant solutions and soap formulations in United States hospitals and households. Human exposure to o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol occurs by absorption through the skin and mucous membranes and by ingestion.

Toxicology and carcinogenicity studies were conducted by dermal administration of o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol to groups of 50 Swiss (CD-1®) mice of each sex to study its effect as an initiator, promoter, and complete carcinogen.

Under the conditions of the 1-year mouse skin initiation/promotion study in Swiss (CD-1®) mice, o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol was a cutaneous irritant and a weak skin tumor promoter relative to strong promoters such as 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. o-Benzyl-p-chlorophenol had no activity as an initiator or as a complete carcinogen.

Questions or comments about the Technical Report should be directed to Central Data Management at P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 or telephone (919) 541-3419.

Copies of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of o-Benzyl-p-Chlorophenol (CAS No. 120-32-1) (TR-444) are available without charge from Central Data Management, NIEHS, MD E1-02, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; telephone (919) 541-3419 or send e-mail to CDM@niehs.nih.gov.

Dated: March 27, 1996

 
________________________________
Kenneth Olden, Ph.D.
Director
National Toxicology Program

[Billing Code 4140-01]