| Agent Name |
Chlorodiphenyl (54% chlorine) |
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| Alternative Name |
PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) |
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| CAS Number |
11097-69-1 |
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| Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
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| Synonyms |
PCBs; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Aroclor 1254; Askarel; Eucarel; Pyranol; Dykanol; Clorphen; Asbestol; Diaclor; Nepolin; EEC-18; Kanechlor; UN2315 |
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| Category |
Halogenated Cyclic Hydrocarbons |
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| Description |
Colorless to pale-yellow, viscous liquid or solid (below 50 degrees F) with a mild, hydrocarbon odor; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Exposure to PCBs can occur: 1) from eating contaminated fish, 2) while repairing or maintaining old electrical transformers containing PCBs, and 3) after leakage from old fluorescent lighting fixtures and old appliances such as televisions or refrigerators. [ATSDR ToxFAQs] Also exposed are firefighters of capacitor and transformer fires. [ATSDR Case Studies, PCB Toxicity] |
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| Comments |
This is a family of 209 chemicals, usually mixtures, contaminated with furans and dioxins. They persist in the environment and concentrate upward in the food chain. Primary nonoccupational exposure is from food, especially fish from contaminated water (e.g.. Lake Michigan). PCB's evaporate slowly at room temperature but have increased volatility with small increases in temperature, e.g.. overheated equipment. PCBs can induce chloracne in exposed humans. Abnormal liver function tests may be seen after PCB exposure, but this effect has not been documented in PCB-exposed workers. Serum PCB levels are difficult to interpret, and they are not recommended in the clinical evaluation. "Neonatal PCB syndrome" (low birth weight, hyperpigmentation, eye abnormalities) has been described. PCBs cause fetal loss and low birth weight in experimental animals. [ATSDR Case Studies: PCB Toxicity] A cohort of 7075 capacitor workers, exposed to PCBs in 1946-75 and followed through 1998, has not experienced any excess mortality from cancer or other causes. [PubMed ID: 12661184] "The accepted view is that exposure to PBBs or PCBs leads to hepatic injury only when they are sufficiently contaminated with PCDFs." (PCDFs = polychlorinated dibenzofurans.) [Zimmerman, p. 395] |
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| Restricted |
Production of PCBs in the U.S. was banned in 1977. |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - Index, Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Case Study |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
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| Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
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| MAK |
0.7 mg/m3 |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
5 mg/m3 |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Other animal data: Chlorodiphenyl (42% Cl) had no discernable effects in cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice after 150 seven�hour exposures to 1.9 mg/m3 over 7 months [Treon et al. 1956]; 17 seven�hour exposures over 24 days at 8.6 mg/m3 also appeared to be noninjurious [Treon et al. 1956]. Slight, reversible, nonspecific liver injury was noted in cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice exposed to 1.5 mg/m3 of chlorodiphenyl (54% Cl) for 7 hours/day for 150 days; 5.4 mg/m3 resulted in more extensive but reversible liver damage [Treon et al. 1956].
Human data: It has been reported that concentrations above 10 mg/m3 were unbearably irritating [Elkins 1959]. Several deaths due to atrophy of the liver have occurred among workers chronically exposed to the fumes of chlorodiphenyls and chloronaphthalenes [von Wedel et al. 1943]. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
6 x 10 -05 mm Hg |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Flash point = 222 deg C; |
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| Half Life |
Serum: 1-3 years; [TDR, p. 1035] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Chloracne |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
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| Reproductive Toxin |
Yes |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Probable Carcinogen |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: AROCLOR 1254
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