September 1995 |
ToxFAQs™ |
for |
Hexachlorobutadiene |
(Hexaclorobutadieno) |
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This fact sheet answers the most frequently
asked health questions about hexachlorobutadiene. For more
information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at
1-888-422-8737. 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.
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SUMMARY: Most exposure to hexachlorobutadiene
comes from breathing it in workplace air. People living
near hazardous waste sites may be exposed to it by breathing
air or by drinking contaminated water. Animal studies
suggest that hexachlorobutadiene can damage the kidneys
and liver and may cause kidney tumors. This chemical has
been found in at least 47 of 1,416 National Priorities
List sites identified by the Environmental Protection
Agency. |
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What
is hexachlorobutadiene? |
Hexachlorobutadiene is a colorless liquid
with a turpentine-like odor. It is also called perchlorobutadiene.
Hexachlorobutadiene is not found naturally in the environment.
It is formed when other chemicals are made.
Most hexachlorobutadiene used commercially
in the United States is imported from Germany. It is mainly
used to make rubber compounds. It is also used as a solvent,
and to make lubricants, in gyroscopes, as a heat transfer
liquid, and as a hydraulic fluid.
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What
happens to hexachlorobutadiene when it enters the environment? |
- Hexachlorobutadiene is released to the environment mainly
from its disposal following industrial uses.
- In air, half of it may be broken down to other chemicals
within 60 days.
- In water, half of it may be broken down to other chemicals
within about 30 days.
- Hexachlorobutadiene appears to readily break down in soil.
- Hexachlorobutadiene can accumulate in fish and shellfish.
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How
might I be exposed to hexachlorobutadiene? |
- Working in industries that make or use hexachlorobutadiene
- Breathing air around hazardous waste sites where it has
been disposed of
- Drinking water contaminated with hexachlorobutadiene
- Eating fish or other foods contaminated with it.
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How
can hexachlorobutadiene affect my health? |
There are no studies that have looked
at the effects of hexachlorobutadiene in people. All of our
information has come from studies in animals.
Studies in mice have shown irritation
of the nose when large amounts were breathed over a short
time. The only other effect noted in animals from breathing
hexachlorobutadiene was a reduction in the body weights of
fetuses when their mothers breathed high levels of the chemical.
There are no studies which looked at
animals breathing low levels of hexachlorobutadiene over a
long time.
Rats and mice that drank low levels of
hexachlorobutadiene over both short and long periods had kidney
and liver damage. No effects on reproduction or on the developing
fetuses were seen when rats and mice drank hexachloro-butadiene.
Studies in rabbits found kidney and liver
damage from contact with the chemical on the skin for a short
time.
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How
likely is hexachlorobutadiene to cause cancer? |
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has determined that hexachlorobutadiene is a possible human
carcinogen.
An animal study found kidney tumors in
rats exposed to low levels of hexachlorobutadiene. It is not
known whether it may also cause cancer in people.
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Is
there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to hexachlorobutadiene? |
Tests are available that measure levels
of hexachlorobutadiene and its breakdown products in urine
or fat. However, these tests must be performed within several
days after exposure because hexachlorobutadiene leaves the
body fairly quickly.
These tests are not usually performed
in most doctors' offices because special equipment is needed
to conduct them. In addition, these tests cannot determine
if adverse health effects will occur from the exposure to
hexachlorobutadiene.
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Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health? |
EPA has recommended guidelines for exposure
to hexachlorobutadiene in drinking water. EPA recommends that
exposures in children should not exceed 0.3 milligrams per
liter (mg/L) for 10-day periods or more than 0.1 mg/L for
longer periods (7 years). Adults should not be exposed to
more than 0.4 mg/L for longer periods (7 years).
EPA requires that discharges or accidental
spills into the environment of 1 pound or more of hexachlorobutadiene
be reported.
The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended an occupational
exposure limit of 0.02 parts hexachlorobutadiene per million
parts in air (0.02 ppm) for an 8-hour workday over a 40-hour
workweek.
The American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has established the same guidelines
as NIOSH for the workplace.
These agencies advise avoiding eye and
skin contact because this may be a route of significant exposure.
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Glossary |
Carcinogen: A substance that can cause
cancer.
Long time: Lasting one year or longer.
ppm: Parts per million.
Short time: Lasting 14 days or less.
Solvent: A substance that dissolves another
substance.
Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue.
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References |
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 1994. Toxicological Profile for hexachlorobutadiene. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
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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:
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov
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