CAS Number: 118-74-1. A white, crystalline solid which is not
very soluble in water. It is formed as a by-product in the
manufacture of other chemicals. Hexachlorobenzene was also used
as a pesticide until 1965. It was also used in fireworks,
ammunitions and in the production of rubber. There are no
current commercial uses of the substance. Chemical formula =
C6Cl6. Molecular weight = 284.79 g/mol.
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Hexachlorobenzene is formed as a byproduct during the manufacture
of other chemicals. It was widely used as a pesticide until
1965. Chronic (long-term) oral exposure to hexachlorobenzene in
humans results in a liver disease with associated skin lesions.
Epidemiologic studies of persons orally exposed to
hexachlorobenzene have not shown an increased cancer incidence.
However, based on animal studies that have reported cancer of the
liver, thyroid, and kidney from oral exposure to
hexachlorobenzene, EPA has classified hexachlorobenzene as a
probable human carcinogen (Group B2). Very little inhalation
data are available.