Hexachlorobenzene

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A stable, white, crystalline chlorinated hydrocarbon that emits very toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid and other chlorinated compounds when heated to decomposition. Hexachlorobenzene was used as a fungicide and was also used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, synthesis of organic chemicals, rubber and in wood preservation. Prolonged oral exposure to this substance results in a liver disease with associated skin lesions. Hexachlorobenzene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on association between thyroid, liver and kidney cancer and oral exposure in animals. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - HCB - HEXACHLOROBENZENE - Pentachlorophenyl Chloride - Perchlorobenzene