Public health assessment of hexachlorobenzene.
Recently, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was proposed for inclusion in the system of toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) currently used for dioxin-like compounds. In this paper, we explore the practical implications of the proposition to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) programs by comparing respective health guidance values for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and HCB (expressed as total toxicity equivalents [TEQs]), reviewing possible interactions between HCB and dioxin-like chemicals, and by providing information on actual co-existence of HCB and dioxin-like chemicals at hazardous waste sites. We found a good correlation between the TEF-adjusted oral exposure guidance values for HCB and guidance values for TCDD. The combination of HCB and other dioxin-like compounds was not found in soil, air, or water media at hazardous waste sites. Based on this fact, it is not necessary to include HCB in the total TEQ count at hazardous waste sites at this time.
Pohl
H R
HR
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. hrp1@cdc.gov
McClure
P R
PR
Fay
M
M
Holler
J
J
De Rosa
C T
CT
D004347:Drug Interactions; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D005659:Fungicides, Industrial / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D006581:Hexachlorobenzene / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D011634:Public Health; D012016:Reference Values; D012042:Registries
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005659:Fungicides, Industrial; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D006581:Hexachlorobenzene