Criteria for a Recommended Standard: NIOH and NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard: Chlorobenzene

Chlorobenzene is one of twelve possible chemical species in the group of chlorinated benzenes (36). At room temperature, the substance is a colorless volatile liquid with an odor that has been described as “not unpleasant” (63), like that of “mothballs or benzene” (25) and “almond like” (1,32). The compound has been used extensively in industry for several years and its main use is as a solvent and intermediate in the production of other chemicals (19, 25, 32). In occupational settings, the main exposure is from inhalation of the volatile compound.

The present document summarizes and evaluates information that has been considered most relevant for the assessment of the potential adverse health effects from occupational exposure to chlorobenzene.

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: NIOH and NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard: Chlorobenzene