United States
kS^laMIjk Environmental Protection
^J^iniiil m11 Agency
EPA/690/R-06/010F
Final
10-12-2006
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Values for
Chlorobenzene
(CASRN 108-90-7)
Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268

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Acronyms and Abbreviations
bw	body weight
cc	cubic centimeters
CD	Caesarean Delivered
CERCLA	Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980
CNS	central nervous system
cu.m	cubic meter
DWEL	Drinking Water Equivalent Level
FEL	frank-effect level
FIFRA	Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
g	grams
GI	gastrointestinal
HEC	human equivalent concentration
Hgb	hemoglobin
i.m.	intramuscular
i.p.	intraperitoneal
IRIS	Integrated Risk Information System
IUR	inhalation unit risk
i.v.	intravenous
kg	kilogram
L	liter
LEL	lowest-effect level
LOAEL	lowest-observed-adverse-effect level
LOAEL(ADJ)	LOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
LOAEL(HEC)	LOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
m	meter
MCL	maximum contaminant level
MCLG	maximum contaminant level goal
MF	modifying factor
mg	milligram
mg/kg	milligrams per kilogram
mg/L	milligrams per liter
MRL	minimal risk level
MTD	maximum tolerated dose
MTL	median threshold limit
NAAQS	National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NOAEL	no-ob served-adverse-effect level
NOAEL(ADJ)	NOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure duration
NOAEL(HEC)	NOAEL adjusted for dosimetric differences across species to a human
NOEL	no-ob served-effect level
OSF	oral slope factor
p-IUR	provisional inhalation unit risk
p-OSF	provisional oral slope factor
p-RfC	provisional inhalation reference concentration
p-RfD	provisional oral reference dose
PBPK	physiologically based pharmacokinetic
ppb	parts per billion
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ppm
parts per million
PPRTV
Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Value
RBC
red blood cell(s)
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RDDR
Regional deposited dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
REL
relative exposure level
RfC
inhalation reference concentration
RfD
oral reference dose
RGDR
Regional gas dose ratio (for the indicated lung region)
s.c.
subcutaneous
SCE
sister chromatid exchange
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act
sq.cm.
square centimeters
TSCA
Toxic Substances Control Act
UF
uncertainty factor
l^g
microgram
[j,mol
micromoles
voc
volatile organic compound
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10-12-2006
PROVISIONAL PEER REVIEWED TOXICITY VALUES FOR
CHLOROBENZENE (CASRN 108-90-7)
Background
On December 5, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of
Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) revised its hierarchy of human
health toxicity values for Superfund risk assessments, establishing the following three tiers as the
new hierarchy:
1.	EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
2.	Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTV) used in EPA's Superfund
Program.
3.	Other (peer-reviewed) toxicity values, including:
~	Minimal Risk Levels produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR),
~	California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) values, and
~	EPA Health Effects Assessment Summary Table (HEAST) values.
A PPRTV is defined as a toxicity value derived for use in the Superfund Program when
such a value is not available in EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). PPRTVs are
developed according to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and are derived after a review of
the relevant scientific literature using the same methods, sources of data, and Agency guidance
for value derivation generally used by the EPA IRIS Program. All provisional toxicity values
receive internal review by two EPA scientists and external peer review by three independently
selected scientific experts. PPRTVs differ from IRIS values in that PPRTVs do not receive the
multi-program consensus review provided for IRIS values. This is because IRIS values are
generally intended to be used in all EPA programs, while PPRTVs are developed specifically for
the Superfund Program.
Because science and available information evolve, PPRTVs are initially derived with a
three-year life-cycle. However, EPA Regions or the EPA Headquarters Superfund Program
sometimes request that a frequently used PPRTV be reassessed. Once an IRIS value for a
specific chemical becomes available for Agency review, the analogous PPRTV for that same
chemical is retired. It should also be noted that some PPRTV manuscripts conclude that a
PPRTV cannot be derived based on inadequate data.
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Disclaimers
Users of this document should first check to see if any IRIS values exist for the chemical
of concern before proceeding to use a PPRTV. If no IRIS value is available, staff in the regional
Superfund and RCRA program offices are advised to carefully review the information provided
in this document to ensure that the PPRTVs used are appropriate for the types of exposures and
circumstances at the Superfund site or RCRA facility in question. PPRTVs are periodically
updated; therefore, users should ensure that the values contained in the PPRTV are current at the
time of use.
It is important to remember that a provisional value alone tells very little about the
adverse effects of a chemical or the quality of evidence on which the value is based. Therefore,
users are strongly encouraged to read the entire PPRTV manuscript and understand the strengths
and limitations of the derived provisional values. PPRTVs are developed by the EPA Office of
Research and Development's National Center for Environmental Assessment, Superfund Health
Risk Technical Support Center for OSRTI. Other EPA programs or external parties who may
choose of their own initiative to use these PPRTVs are advised that Superfund resources will not
generally be used to respond to challenges of PPRTVs used in a context outside of the Superfund
Program.
Questions Regarding PPRTVs
Questions regarding the contents of the PPRTVs and their appropriate use (e.g., on
chemicals not covered, or whether chemicals have pending IRIS toxicity values) may be directed
to the EPA Office of Research and Development's National Center for Environmental
Assessment, Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (513-569-7300), or OSRTI.
INTRODUCTION
IRIS (U.S. EPA, 2006) lists an RfD of 2E-2 mg/kg-day for chlorobenzene based on a
NOAEL of 27 mg/kg-day (adjusted dose of 19.6 mg/kg-day) and LOAEL of 54.5 mg/kg-day
(adjusted dose of 39.3 mg/kg-day) for liver histopathology in dogs given gelatin capsules
containing chlorobenzene for 13 weeks (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a). The source document
for this assessment is a Drinking Water Criteria Document for chlorobenzene (U.S. EPA, 1986).
This RfD is also included on the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories list (U.S.
EPA, 2004). The HEAST (U.S. EPA, 1997) indicates the availability of the chronic RfD on
IRIS, but does not list a subchronic RfD. The CARA list (U.S. EPA, 1991a, 1994a) includes a
Health Effects Assessment (HEA) for chlorobenzene (U.S. EPA, 1989) that derived a subchronic
RfD of 0.3 mg/kg-day and chronic RfD of 0.03 mg/kg-day based on the same 13-week dog
study, as well as an Ambient Water Quality Criteria Document (U.S. EPA, 1980) and Health
Assessment Document (U.S. EPA, 1985) for chlorinated benzenes, neither of which included
derivation of an RfD for chlorobenzene. ATSDR (1990) derived an intermediate duration MRL
of 0.4 mg/kg-day for chlorobenzene based on a NOAEL of 60 mg/kg-day and LOAEL of 125
mg/kg-day for liver effects (increases in liver weight and serum biomarkers for hepatotoxicity) in
rats and mice administered chlorobenzene for 13 weeks (NTP, 1985).
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No RfC is available for chlorobenzene on IRIS (U.S. EPA, 2006). The HEAST (U.S.
EPA, 1997) lists a chronic RfC of 2E-2 mg/m3 for chlorobenzene based on a subchronic study in
rats (Dilley, 1977); however, this RfC was prepared using outdated methodology. A subchronic
RfC for chlorobenzene is not reported in the HEAST (U.S. EPA, 1997). The source document
for the RfC in the HEAST was the HEA for chlorobenzene (U.S. EPA, 1989). An RfC for
chlorobenzene was not included in the Ambient Water Quality Criteria Document (U.S. EPA,
1980) or the Health Assessment Document (U.S. EPA, 1985) for chlorinated benzenes. ATSDR
(1990) has not derived inhalation-based Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) for chlorobenzene.
California EPA (OEHHA, 2006) has derived a chronic inhalation REL of 1 mg/m3 based on the
occurrence of liver, kidney, and testicular lesions in a multigeneration study in rats (Nair et al.,
1987). ACGIH (2006) has adopted a TLV of 10 ppm (46 mg/m3) based on liver effects in
experimental animals (Dilley, 1977; Nair et al., 1987). The OSHA (2006) PEL is 75 ppm (350
mg/m3). NIOSH (2006) has not established a REL for chlorobenzene, but has questioned
whether the OSHA PEL is adequate to protect workers from the recognized health hazards.
The cancer assessment for chlorobenzene on IRIS (U.S. EPA, 2006) includes a
classification of Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. This classification is
based on no human data, inadequate animal data, and predominantly negative genetic toxicity
data in bacterial, yeast, and mouse lymphoma cells. A significant positive trend was observed in
the incidence of hepatocellular neoplastic nodules in male (but not female) rats administered
chlorobenzene by gavage for 103 weeks; no site-specific tumors or neoplastic pathology were
observed in similarly-treated mice (NTP, 1985). Quantitative estimates of carcinogenic risk
from oral or inhalation exposure were not made.
The toxicity of chlorobenzene was reviewed by WHO (1991). Updated literature
searches for additional toxicity data for chlorobenzene were performed for the period from 1988
to June, 2003 in the following databases: TOXLINE (supplemented with NTIS and BIOSIS
updates), CANCERLIT, MEDLINE, CCRIS, GENETOX, HSDB, EMIC/EMICBACK,
DART/ETICBACK, RTECS, and TSCATS. The above listed documents and literature searches
were used to identify relevant studies. Additional literature searches from June 2003 through
October 2004 were conducted by NCEA-Cincinnati using MEDLINE, TOXLINE, Chemical and
Biological Abstracts databases.
REVIEW OF PERTINENT DATA
Human Studies
Oral Exposure. No relevant data were located regarding the toxicity of chlorobenzene to
humans following oral exposure.
Inhalation Exposure. Five human inhalation studies (Rosenbaum et al., 1947; Tarkhova, 1965;
Ogata et al., 1991; Girard et al., 1969; and Syrovadko and Malysheva, 1977) were located. The
Tarkhova (1965) and Ogata et al. (1991) studies are acute exposure studies and Rosenbaum et al.
(1947), Girard et al. (1969), and Syrovadko and Malysheva (1977) are occupational exposure
studies.
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In a biological monitoring study conducted by Ogata et al. (1991), 4 humans were
exposed once to 60.2 ppm (277 mg/m3) chlorobenzene for 3 hours in the morning and 4 hours in
the afternoon, with a 1 hour break between the morning and afternoon exposure sessions. All of
the subjects complained of a sensation of a disagreeable odor and of drowsiness, three of a heavy
feeling in the head and/or headache, two of throbbing pain in the eyes, and one complained of a
sore throat. The authors did not report the incidence of these effects in the control group, thus
the significance of the reported symptoms is not known. A significant decrease, as compared to
a non-exposed control group, in mean flicker-fusion value was observed (no further details on
the control group were given). No significant alterations in pulse rate or systolic or diastolic
blood pressure were found.
Tarkhova (1965) exposed 4 subjects to 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/m3 of chlorobenzene (0.02,
0.04, and 0.07 ppm) and measured changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns in
response to light flashes. All subjects were exposed to all three concentrations, but the author
did not indicate how much time was allowed for recovery or the order of the exposures. It
appears that the experiment was repeated at least "three times during three days for each
subject". The subjects were exposed to chlorobenzene for 2V2 minutes in each session. The
exposure period was preceded by a 3 minute control period. No effects were observed at the 0.1
mg/m3 concentration. A response was observed in 2/4 subjects at 0.2 mg/m3 and in 3/4 subjects
at 0.3 mg/m3.
Several occupational exposure studies suggest a neurotoxic effect in workers exposed to
chlorobenzene; however, the results do not allow for a definitive conclusion because workers
were exposed to other chemicals in addition to chlorobenzene. Rosenbaum et al. (1947; as
reviewed by U.S. EPA, 1985 and ATSDR, 1990) examined 28 factory workers intermittently
exposed to chlorobenzene for 1-2 years. Exposure concentrations were not reported. Headaches
and signs of somnolence and dyspepsia were common among the workers. Tingling, numbness,
and stiffness of the extremities and hyperesthesia of the hands were observed in 8 of the 28
workers and spastic contractions of the finger muscles were observed in 9 of 28 workers.
Without comparative data from non-exposed workers, it is not clear that these symptoms were
caused by chlorobenzene exposure. Girard et al. (1969) reported anemia and symptoms of
central nervous system effects (headaches, numbness, and lethargy) and eye and respiratory tract
irritation in workers exposed to chlorobenzene at unspecified concentrations. These workers,
however, were also exposed to other unspecified chemicals in addition to chlorobenzene.
Increased number of birth anomalies and hormonal disturbances were associated with
occupational exposure of chlorobenzene and tricresol in female workers (Syrovadko and
Malysheva, 1977). However, it is not possible to attribute these effects to chlorobenzene
exposure because workers were exposed to tricresol in addition to chlorobenzene.
Overall, the human data suggest that chlorobenzene may affect the nervous system.
However, none of the human data are adequate for use in risk assessment either because the
effects cannot be definitively attributed to chlorobenzene exposure or because only acute
exposures were used.
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Animal Studies
Oral Exposure. Subchronic oral studies in dogs (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a), rats (Hazleton
Laboratories, 1967b; NTP, 1985; Irish, 1963; Varshavskaya, 1967), and mice (NTP, 1985),
chronic studies in rats and mice (NTP, 1985), and an oral developmental toxicity study in rats
(IBT, 1977) were located. These studies are described below.
Groups of 4 male and 4 female young adult beagle dogs were treated with 0, 0.025, 0.05,
or 0.250 mL/kg (0, 27.5, 55.0, 275 mg/kg-day using a specific gravity of 1.1) of pure
chlorobenzene via capsule 5 days/week for 13 weeks (duration-adjusted doses of 0, 19.6, 39.3 or
196.4 mg/kg-day) (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a). The dogs were observed daily for appearance
and behavior, and body weight and food consumption were determined weekly. Hematology,
serum chemistry, and urine analyses were performed after 1 month of treatment and again after 3
months. The dogs were sacrificed after 3 months. All dogs, including those that died during the
study, were examined for gross pathology. Organ weights were determined at necropsy.
Histological examination was performed for 20 organs (brain, pituitary, thyroid, lung, heart,
liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, adrenal, stomach, pancreas, duodenum, jejuneum, ileum,
colon, urinary bladder, ovaries, bone, and bone marrow) in the control and high-dose dogs, but
only suspected target organs were examined in the low- and mid-dose dogs.
Four of the 8 high-dose dogs (2 males and 2 females) died or were sacrificed in moribund
condition within the first 5 weeks of the study (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a). Death was
preceded by loss of appetite, weight loss, inactivity, and coma. High-dose dogs that survived
had reduced appetite and loss of weight over the first 5-6 weeks of the study, but appetite
returned and body weight held steady over the remainder of the experiment. Terminal weight
loss in these dogs ranged from 0.7 to 2.0 kg. A number of changes in blood and urine parameters
were observed in dogs from the high-dose group, including low blood sugar, high circulating
levels of immature leukocytes, increased urinary concentrations of acetone and bilirubin, and
slight-to-marked increases in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin,
and cholesterol. Gross pathology in high-dose dogs included grey-yellow discoloration of the
hepatic parenchyma, distended gallbladder, and red discoloration of the renal medulla. Increases
in relative weight of the liver, kidney, adrenals, heart, and thyroid were observed among high-
dose dogs, reflecting the poor physical condition of dogs in this group.
Histopathological examination of high-dose dogs revealed moderate-to-severe
vacuolation, formation of fatty cysts and bile stasis in the liver, glomerular swelling and swelling
and vacuolation of tubular epithelium in the kidney, variations in mucus content of the
gastrointestinal mucosa, and leukocytosis and moderate-to-high cellularity in the bone marrow
(Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a). Incidence data for the liver and kidney lesions are reported in
Table 1. Although the small group sizes in this study limit the power of statistical tests to detect
changes, statistically significant increases were shown for several of the liver lesions in the high-
dose group (males and females combined, Fisher exact test conducted for this review). No liver
or kidney lesions were observed in control animals. Histopathological changes in the liver and
kidney were the only effects observed in mid-dose dogs. These changes included slight bile duct
proliferation, slight swelling and vacuolation and leukocytic infiltration in the liver, and swelling
of tubular epithelium and variations in cellularity in the kidney. No effects of any type were
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Table 1. Incidence of Liver and Kidney Lesions in Male and Female Dogs (Combined)
Administered Chlorobenzene Daily for 13 Weeks3 (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a)
Organ, Lesion
Dose (mg/kg-day)
0
19.6
39.3
196.4
Liver, bile stasis
0/8
0/8
0/8
4/8
Liver, pigment deposition
0/8
0/8
0/8
3/8
Liver, centrilobular
degeneration
0/8
0/8
0/8
8/8b
Liver, vacuolation
0/8
0/8
1/8
6/8b
Liver, cytologic changes
0/8
0/8
1/8
4/8
Liver, bile duct hyperplasia
0/8
0/8
3/8
7/8b
Kidney, tubular dilation
0/8
0/8
2/8
4/8
Kidney, proximal
convoluted tubule swelling
0/8
0/8
0/8
2/8
Kidney, proximal
convoluted tubule
vacuolation
0/8
0/8
1/8
4/8
Kidney, tubule epithelial
degeneration
0/8
0/8
1/8
4/8
Kidney, terminal proximal
tubule vacuolation
0/8
1/8
0/8
3/8
Kidney, epithelial pigment
deposition
0/8
0/8
0/8
3/8
a Data reported as number of animals observed with the lesion/total number of animals in the dose group
b Incidence significantly greater than controls using the Fisher exact test (p<0.05) performed for this review
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observed in low-dose dogs. This study, therefore, identified a LOAEL of 39.3 mg/kg-day for
liver and kidney effects (histopathological changes) and a NOAEL of 19.6 mg/kg-day.
In a companion study to Hazleton Laboratories (1967a), Charles River CD rats
(18/sex/group) were given 12.5, 50, 100, or 250 mg/kg-day of pure chlorobenzene by gavage in
corn oil, daily for 93-99 days (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967b; Knapp et al., 1971). An additional
group of 18 males and 18 females served as an untreated control group. The rats were observed
daily for appearance and behavior. Rats in the test groups were weighed daily, while those in the
control group were weighed weekly. Food consumption was determined weekly. Hematology,
clinical chemistry and urine analyses were performed at 30 and 90 days using 5 males and 5
females from each group. Sacrifice was performed after 93-99 days of treatment. All animals,
even those that died during the study, received a gross necropsy. Organ weights were
determined at necropsy. Histopathological examination (on 5 males and 5 females from each
group) included 17 organs (brain, pituitary, thyroid, lung, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, adrenal,
stomach, pancreas, intestines, urinary bladder, gonads, femur, and bone marrow) in the high-dose
and control groups, but only the thyroid, heart, liver, kidney and adrenals were examined from
the other groups. Although a few deaths occurred during the course of the study, there was no
clear relationship between treatment and mortality. There was a statistically significant decrease
in body weight gain among high-dose males (terminal body weight reduced approximately 7%),
but growth was not affected in other groups. Food consumption did not differ from controls.
The only clinical sign clearly related to treatment was salivation following dosing throughout the
first week of the study. Salivation generally occurred in about half of the rats exposed to 50
mg/kg-day, a majority of those exposed to 100 mg/kg-day and all of those exposed to 250
mg/kg-day. Hematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis results were unremarkable. The only
gross pathological observation of interest was a high incidence of mottled and discolored livers
in rats exposed to 50, 100, or 250 mg/kg-day, that did not, however, increase in incidence or
intensity as dose increased from 50 to 250 mg/kg-day. Absolute and relative liver weights were
significantly increased in females exposed to 100 or 250 mg/kg-day and males exposed to 250
mg/kg-day. Absolute and relative kidney weights were also significantly increased at these
doses. Histopathological examination failed to detect any compound-related effects in rats of
any dose group. NOAEL and LOAEL values of 50 and 100 mg/kg-day, respectively, may be
derived from this study based on weight increases in the liver and kidney. Although the organ
weight increases were not accompanied by histopathological changes or other clear indicators of
toxicity, the results of the companion study on dogs (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a) showed that
these organs are targets of chlorobenzene toxicity.
Supporting data also come from subchronic and chronic studies in rats and mice
conducted by NTP (1985). In the subchronic studies, groups of 10 F344/N rats and 10 B6C3F1
mice of each sex were given chlorobenzene at 0, 60, 125, 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg-day, 5
days/week for 13 weeks by gavage in corn oil. Duration-adjusted doses were 0, 43, 89, 179, 357
or 536 mg/kg-day, respectively. Clinical signs of toxicity were noted daily and body weights
were determined weekly. Urine samples for analysis were obtained during the 13th week of
treatment. Blood samples for hematology and clinical chemistry analyses were collected prior to
sacrifice. The major organs were weighed at necropsy. Comprehensive histopathological
examinations were given to rats from the two highest dose groups and mice from the three
highest dose groups, as well as controls. Only suspected target organs were examined
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microscopically in the other groups. Chlorobenzene produced death in rats exposed to 500
mg/kg-day (4/10 males and 3/10 females) and 750 mg/kg-day (9/10 males and 8/10 females).
Body weight gain was reduced about 20% in both males and females from these groups. The
most frequent histopathological lesions in these groups were moderate centrilobular
hepatocellular necrosis, mild-to-moderate nephrosis (characterized by degeneration and necrosis
of the proximal tubule) and minimal-to-moderate myeloid depletion of the bone marrow. Other
lesions observed were hepatic degeneration and lymphoid depletions of the thymus and spleen.
Further effects observed in rats from these dose groups included decreased white blood cell
count, increased reticulocytes, increased serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl
transpeptidase, increased urinary output, increased urinary excretion of uroporphyrin and
coproporphyrin, increased absolute and/or relative liver and kidney weights and decreased
absolute and relative spleen weight. Effects in rats exposed to 250 mg/kg-day included reduced
body weight gain (>20%, males only), increased absolute and relative liver weight, decreased
absolute and relative spleen weight and a few observations of minimal hepatic necrosis and
nephropathy. The only effects at lower doses were increased absolute and relative liver weight
in females exposed to 125 mg/kg-day and decreased absolute and relative spleen weight in males
exposed to 60 or 125 mg/kg-day. Taken together, the liver was identified as the most sensitive
target organ. Increased liver weight was observed at > 125 mg/kg-day, and hepatic necrosis
occurred at >250 mg/kg-day. Although spleen weights were decreased at all doses, microscopic
lesions (lymphoid depletion) were only observed at the high dose (750 mg/kg-day). Therefore,
these results suggest aNOAEL and LOAEL in rats of 60 and 125 mg/kg-day, respectively (43
and 89 mg/kg-day, respectively, when adjusted for a 5 day/week dosing schedule).
Results in mice were similar in pattern to those in rats, although mice appeared to be
more sensitive to chlorobenzene toxicity, as indicated by an increase in mortality in this species
at 250 mg/kg-day (5/9 males and 4/10 females) and above (37/40 mice) (NTP, 1985). Body
weight gain was reduced 50-80% in these groups. Histopathological lesions were generally
limited in occurrence to these same dose groups; lesions included severe hepatic necrosis,
moderate renal tubular necrosis, myeloid depletion of the spleen and bone marrow, lymphoid
depletion of the spleen and thymus, and necrosis of the thymus. Absolute and relative liver
weights were significantly increased in surviving males and females from these groups. Other
changes in these dose groups were increased urinary output and increased urinary excretion of
coproporphyrins. The only effect in mice exposed to 125 mg/kg was significantly increased
absolute and relative liver weight in males. Based on liver toxicity in mice, NOAEL and
LOAEL values of 60 and 125 mg/kg-day (duration adjusted doses of 43 and 89 mg/kg-day) can
be derived.
In the chronic studies, groups of 50 rats of each sex and 50 female mice were
administered chlorobenzene by gavage in corn oil at 0, 60 or 120 mg/kg-day 5 days/week for 103
weeks (NTP, 1985). Duration-adjusted doses were 0, 43, and 86 mg/kg-day, respectively.
Groups of 50 male mice were similarly treated with 0, 30 or 60 mg/kg-day (duration adjusted
doses of 0, 21, 43 mg/kg-day, respectively). Survival was significantly reduced in male rats in
the 120 mg/kg group, but not in lower dose male rats or female rats. Body weight gain was not
affected in rats of any group. From the original microscopic examination, there appeared to be a
slightly increased incidence of hepatic necrosis in treated rats of both sexes (males at 60 mg/kg
and females at 120 mg/kg), but a second independent review did not support these findings.
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Other than effects on immune system at substantially high doses, no other chemical-related non-
carcinogenic effects were identified in the rats. In mice, survival was marginally reduced in
males at 30 and 60 mg/kg; however, survival trend did not follow a dose-response relationship
and no effect was noted in females. Body weight gain was similar in treated and control mice
and no treatment- related non-neoplastic lesions were identified.
Irish (1963) briefly reported the results of an unpublished Dow Chemical study, in which
rats were treated orally with chlorobenzene 5 days per week for approximately 6 months. Doses
of 144 and 288 mg/kg-day (duration adjusted doses of 103 and 206 mg/kg-day) produced
significant increases in liver and kidney weight and slight liver pathology. No effects were
detected in rats treated with 14.4 mg/kg-day (duration adjusted dose of 10.3 mg/kg-day). Further
details regarding this study were not provided.
In contrast to the results of the studies described above, toxicity was reported at much
lower doses by Varshavskaya (1967). Groups of 7 male albino rats weighing 180-200 g were
treated with 0, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg-day of chlorobenzene in sunflower oil by stomach tube
for 9 months. Effects reported at 0.1 mg/kg-day included inhibition of higher nervous system
activity (i.e., prolonged formation and accelerated loss of conditioned reflexes), a statistically
significant inhibition of erythropoiesis (i.e., decreased red blood cell count and hemoglobin),
increased serum alkaline phosphatase and aminotransferase levels, and immune system effects
(increased leukocytes and gamma globulin). Many of these endpoints were also marginally
affected by exposure to 0.01 mg/kg-day. No effects were reported at 0.001 mg/kg-day.
Although some of the effects reported in this study are consistent with those observed in other
studies, the effective doses are much lower. Varshavskaya (1967) also reports effects for o-
dichlorobenzene that are over 3 orders of magnitude lower than other published values.
Therefore, U.S. EPA (1980, 1985) considered the results of this study to be questionable.
Chlorobenzene was the subject of a developmental toxicity study in rats (IBT, 1977).
Pregnant Charles River albino rats (20-22 per dose) were administered chlorobenzene at 100 or
300 mg/kg-day on gestation days 6-15 via oral gavage. Maternal body weight, mortality, and
clinical signs of toxicity were recorded at regular intervals throughout exposure. All dams were
sacrificed on gestation day 20 and were administered via Caesarian section. Implantation sites
and the number of corpora lutea were determined, and the number of viable fetuses was
recorded. All fetuses were removed from the uterus, weighed, and examined for external
malformations. Two-thirds of the fetuses were examined for skeletal effects; the remaining
fetuses were evaluated for internal development. No treatment-related effects were noted at any
dose; however, the study did not test up to maternally toxic doses. The results of this study do
not rule out developmental effects at high doses, but indicate that developmental toxicity is not
likely a sensitive toxicological endpoint for chlorobenzene toxicity.
Inhalation Exposure. Several studies have examined the subchronic toxicity of inhaled
chlorobenzene in animals (IBT, 1979; Roloff, 1980; Dilley, 1977; Irish, 1963; Zub, 1978). John
et al. (1984) and Nair et al. (1987) have examined the developmental and reproductive toxicity,
respectively, of inhaled chlorobenzene.
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In a study conducted by IBT (1979), groups of male and female rats (15/sex/group) and
beagle dogs (4/sex/group) were exposed to 0, 0.76, 1.47, or 2 mg/L (0, 760, 1470, or 2000
mg/m3) of chlorobenzene 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 90 days (62 exposure days). Controls
were exposed to "clean air." All animals were observed for mortality and clinical signs of
toxicity daily throughout the exposure period, and body weights were recorded weekly. Blood
was taken from all surviving dogs at Day 28 (blood was taken from several dogs earlier than Day
28 because they were expected to be sacrificed moribund prior to the bleed) and from 5 control
and high-concentration rats per sex at Days 39 and 91. Hematology, clinical chemistry, and
urinalysis examinations were conducted at each bleed. At scheduled sacrifice, all animals were
subjected to a gross pathology evaluation, the adrenal glands (dogs only), brain (cerebrum,
cerebellum, and pons), lungs, pancreas, pituitary gland (dogs only), spleen, and thyroid gland
(dogs only) were weighed (absolute weights and organ weight relative to the brain and terminal
body weight were determined), and 29-32 tissues were microscopically examined from the
control and high-concentration groups. Tissues from low- and mid-concentration animals were
examined only if "significant pathologic findings" were observed at the high concentration.
No effects on rats were observed for any of the parameters evaluated (IBT, 1979). In
dogs, however, a number of potential treatment-related effects were observed. An apparent
concentration-related increase in mortality was observed. Mortality rates in dogs exposed at 0,
760, 1470, and 2000 mg/m3, respectively, were 0/4, 0/4, 1/4, and 2/4 in males and 0/4, 0/4, 1/4,
and 3/4 in females. Hypoactivity was observed in 0/4, 1/4, and 4/4 dogs at the low-, mid-, and
high-concentrations, respectively, in both males and females (control incidences were not
reported). Conjunctivitis occurred at the same incidence rates in both males and females. Also,
one high-concentration female dog was observed with glazed eyes. There were no clear effects
on body weight, although final mean body weights of high-concentration dogs were less than
controls. No chlorobenzene-related alterations in hematological, serum clinical chemistry, or
urinalysis parameters were observed. A number of statistically significant changes in absolute
and relative organ weights were found; however, only pancreas weights of female dogs appeared
to show a concentration-response relationship (although the lack of several organ weights from
the low- and mid-concentration groups precludes a full evaluation of potential treatment-related
effects). The toxicological relevance of the change in pancreas weight, however, is not clear
because no microscopic lesions were observed in the pancreas.
Icterus (characterized by yellow discoloration of the aorta) and enlarged hardened livers
were observed in dogs that were killed in extremis (IBT, 1979). Microscopic lesions were
observed in the liver, kidney, testes, and bone marrow in treated dogs. At 2000 mg/m3, slight to
moderate vacuolation of the liver (2/4 males, 3/4 females), aplastic bone marrow (2/4 males, 3/4
females), epithelial cytoplasmic vacuolation in the kidneys (1/4 males, 3/4 females), and atrophy
of the seminiferous epithelium in the testes (2/4 males) were observed. At 1470 mg/m3,
vacuolation of the liver (1/4 males) and juvenile testes (1/4 males) were observed. These lesions
were not seen in controls. No tissues from low-concentration males or females were
microscopically examined. This study was not peer-reviewed, and statements from the
researchers highlighted that only a limited quality assurance review was given to this report.
Therefore, reliable NOAEL or LOAEL values cannot be derived from this study. However, the
study does provide suggestive evidence that the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, and testes may be
target organs for chlorobenzene in dogs.
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As a follow-up study, Roloff (1980) exposed beagle dogs (6 per sex and concentration) to
chlorobenzene (96.5% pure) 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 6 months at 0, 0.79, 1.59, or 2.06
mg/L (0, 790, 1590, or 2060 mg/m3). Clinical signs of toxicity were recorded at regular intervals
during the 6-hour exposure periods, detailed physical examinations were conducted weekly, and
body weight was recorded weekly. After six months of exposure, animals were sacrificed, the
adrenals, brain, heart, kidney, liver, pituitary, and testes were weighed, and 24 tissues were
microscopically examined. A number of hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis
parameters were determined twice prior to study initiation, twice during the first four weeks of
exposure, monthly thereafter, and at terminal sacrifice.
Body weight, food consumption, and general health of the dogs were unaffected by
chlorobenzene exposure (Roloff, 1980). A concentration-related, statistically significant increase
in the number of dogs observed to vomit (p< 0.01) or pass abnormal stools (p< 0.01) was
reported, suggesting gastrointestinal irritation at all concentrations. However, histopathology did
not reveal any treatment-related lesions of the GI tract, and other studies have not observed
gastrointestinal effects. Therefore, the toxicological significance of this observation is not clear.
A statistically significant (p< 0.05) increase in liver-to-body weight ratio was observed in mid-
and high-concentration females and a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in absolute adrenal weight
was observed in the mid- and high-concentration males. Kidney weight was not affected by
treatment. In the absence of microscopic lesions in these tissues, the biological significance of
the organ weight changes is not clear. Although chlorobenzene exposure has been shown to
affect the liver in other studies, only relative weights in females were significantly increased
compared with controls and no microscopic lesions were observed in the liver in this study.
Also, relative liver weights in females did not show a clear concentration-related increase.
Relative liver weights at 0, 790, 1590, and 2000 mg/m3, respectively, were 2.4%, 3.2%, 3.1%,
and 3.1%). Therefore, it does not appear that the increase in relative liver weight in female dogs
was related to treatment. Statistically significant changes in various clinical chemistry
parameters were observed; however, these changes appeared to be random and not related to
chlorobenzene exposure. A clear LOAEL was not observed in this study.
Taken together, these 90 day and 6-month studies in dogs resulted in contradictory results
and, therefore, do not allow for reliable NOAEL or LOAEL derivations. In one study, (IBT,
1979), an apparent concentration-related increase in mortality and effects on the kidney, liver,
and testes were observed. In a follow-up study (Roloff, 1980), however, no effects were
observed in dogs at comparable concentrations. Therefore, a clear NOAEL or LOAEL in dogs
was not established.
In a study reported by Irish (1963), groups of rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs were exposed
to 0, 200, 475, or 1000 ppm (0, 920, 2189, or 4604 mg/m3) of chlorobenzene for 7 hours/day, 5
days/week for 44 days. In the guinea pigs exposed at 4604 mg/m3, increased mortality was
observed. Unspecified histological alterations were observed in the liver, kidney, and lungs in
exposed animals at 4604 mg/m3 (the study report did not specify which effects were associated
with each species tested). At 2189 mg/m3, slight histological alterations were also observed in
the liver. No effects were observed at 920 mg/m3. Additional details were not available.
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Zub (1978) exposed male and female white Swiss mice (5 per sex and concentration) to
chlorobenzene vapors at 100 mg/m3 daily (7 hours per day) for 3 months or 2500 mg/m3 daily
for 3 weeks. Additional experimental design parameters were not reported. Five of 10 mice
exposed at 2500 mg/m3 died. Loss of appetite, general emaciation, marked somnolence,
decreased body weight, fatty degeneration and atrophy in the liver were also observed at 2500
mg/m3. Slight leukopenia and lymphocytosis were the only haematological effects in mice
exposed to 100 mg/m3 for 3 months. Although these data support the conclusion that
chlorobenzene may affect the liver, the data are limited because sufficient detail on experimental
methods and results were not reported in the published article to permit critical evaluation of the
study.
Dilley (1977) exposed groups of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats and 32 male rabbits
(strain not specified) to 0, 73, or 248 ppm (0, 336, or 1142 mg/m3, respectively) of
chlorobenzene for 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for 24 weeks. Groups of 10 rats and 10 rabbits were
killed after 5, 11, or 24 weeks of exposure. Animals were weighed weekly for 5 weeks, every 2
weeks for the next 4 weeks and monthly thereafter. All animals were observed daily for clinical
signs of toxicity. The brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and gonads were weighed.
These tissues and the adrenal glands, bone marrow, eye, skin, and abnormal tissues were
microscopically examined. A number of hematology and clinical chemistry parameters were
evaluated.
In rats, no deaths, unusual clinical observations or changes in body weight gain were
observed (Dilley, 1977). The kidney and liver weights generally increased with increasing
concentration (Table 2). Significant increases in absolute and relative liver weights were
observed in male rats exposed to 248 ppm for 24 weeks (Table 2) compared with controls.
Relative kidney weights were also significantly greater than controls after 24 weeks.
Hematology evaluations found decreased hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume, and
increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, in rats exposed to chlorobenzene at >73
ppm after 11 weeks of exposure, consistent with microcytic anemia; however, similar effects
were not observed at 24 weeks (Dilley, 1977). Therefore, the biological significance of this
observation is not clear. The only consistent and significant change in the rat clinical chemistry
profile was reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the high-dose group at
all three sacrifice times. The toxicological significance of this observation is not clear.
Histopathology revealed no consistent concentration-related increase in the incidences of any
lesions. Chronic respiratory disease was observed in 8-10 rats in all treatment and control
groups. It is not known if the chronic respiratory disease made the animals unusually sensitive to
the toxicity of chlorobenzene or masked some aspects of chlorobenzene toxicity. Therefore, a
NOAEL and LOAEL suitable for RfC derivation cannot be identified from this study. However,
the organ weight data provide supportive evidence that the liver and kidneys are possible targets
of chlorobenzene toxicity.
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Table 2. Selected Organ Weights in Male Rats Exposed to Chlorobenzene via Inhalation
for 24 Weeks (Dilley, 1977)
Organ
Absolute or
Relative Weight
0 ppm
73 ppm
248 ppm
Liver
Absolute (g)
16±0.8a
18±0.9
21±2.0b
Relative, body
34±0.6
38±1.0
44±1.9C
Relative, brain
7.3±0.4
8.0±0.4
9.7±0.8
Kidneys
Absolute (g)
3.5±0.2
3.7±0.1
4.1±0.2
Relative, body
7.5±0.2
7.9±0.2
8.5±0.2b
Relative, brain
1.6±0.08
1.6±0.06
1.8±0.08
a mean ± standard deviation
b statistically significant (p<0.05)
0 statistically significant (p<0.01)
In rabbits, no treatment-related deaths, unusual clinical observations, or changes in body
weight gain were observed (Dilley, 1977). Overall, there were no consistent concentration-
related changes in hematology, clinical chemistry, or gross or microscopic lesions.
Encephalitozoonosis (caused by Escherichia cuniculi infection) and respiratory illness associated
with atelectasis and emphysema; lymphocytic foci near bronchi and bronchioles, focal edema
and congestion were observed in a number of treated and control animals that may have affected
the rabbits' sensitivity to chlorobenzene-induced toxicity. Therefore, these data are not suitable
for RfC derivation.
Nair et al. (1987) conducted a two-generation reproductive study in rats. In this study,
groups of 30 male and 30 female CD Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to chlorobenzene
(>99.9% pure) in a dynamic air chamber at target concentrations of 0, 50, 150, or 450 ppm (0,
230, 691, or 2072 mg/m3) for 6 hours/day, 7 days/week for 10 weeks before mating, and during
mating, gestation, and lactation. The male and female F0 rats were sacrificed after the lactation
period. Groups of 30 male and 30 female Fi rats were exposed to the same concentrations of
chlorobenzene (beginning 1 week post-weaning) for 11 weeks before mating and during mating,
gestation, and lactation. The Fi rats were also sacrificed after the lactation period. The F2 pups
were sacrificed after weaning. Mortality and clinical signs of toxicity were recorded twice each
day, detailed physical examinations were conducted weekly, body weights were recorded weekly
except that female body weights were also recorded at additional regular intervals throughout
gestation and lactation, and food consumption was recorded weekly during the growth period.
Complete gross postmortem examinations were conducted on all sacrificed animals. Liver and
brain weights of F0 and Fi adults were recorded. Liver, kidneys, pituitary gland, and
reproductive organs (males: testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle, and prostate; females: vagina,
uterus, and ovaries) were examined microscopically for all F0 and Fi adult animals in the control
and high-concentration groups. Liver, kidneys, and testes of male rats in the low- and mid-
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concentration groups were microscopically examined. Hematology or clinical chemistry
parameters were not evaluated.
No deaths were observed in the F0 or Fi groups, and no significant alterations in body
weight gain were observed (Nair et al., 1987). No apparent alterations in the mating, pregnancy
(number of pregnant females/number mated), fertility, pup viability, pup survival, or litter
survival indices were observed in the F0 or Fi rats. Absolute and relative liver weights were
clearly and significantly increased in F0 and Fi male rats exposed to >150 ppm and F0 and Fi
female rats exposed to >450 ppm (Table 3). Much smaller, but still statistically significant,
increases in relative liver weight at lower doses were consistent with the observed trend, but do
not themselves indicate a toxicologically significant effect at the lower doses. Histopathology
examinations identified the liver, kidneys, and testes as target organs for chlorobenzene in male
rats. Table 4 shows incidence data reported by the investigators and the results of statistical tests
conducted for this review (statistical tests of the incidence data were not performed by the
original investigators). In the liver, the incidence of centrilobular hepatocellular hypertrophy
was significantly increased in the 150 and 450 ppm F0 males in a dose-related manner, and
marginally increased in the 450 ppm Fi males. In the kidneys, significant increases in the
incidences of tubular dilation, chronic interstitial nephritis, and foci of regenerative epithelium
were observed at 150 and 450 ppm in the F0 males, but primarily at 450 ppm in the Fi males.
The incidence of small and flaccid testes was significantly increased in the Fi males at 450 ppm,
and was also observed in both F0 and Fi males at 150 ppm. Degeneration of the testicular
germinal epithelium was seen in F0 and Fi males at 150 and 450 ppm, and appears to have been
treatment-related. Although incidence levels were low at 150 ppm and just approached statistical
significance at 450 ppm, the lesion was graded as moderate or severe in 1 F0 and 2 Fi males at
150 ppm and in 3 F0 and 5 Fi males at 450 ppm. The two observations of this lesion in controls
were both graded as minimal. No concentration-related microscopic lesions were observed in
female rats.
The kidney lesions observed in this study included tubular dilation, chronic interstitial
nephritis, and foci of regenerative epithelium (Nair et al, 1987). Because the lesions observed in
this study only occurred in male rats and are consistent with those typical of alpha-2U-globulin
accumulation (U.S. EPA, 1991b), and because other chlorobenzene derivatives have been shown
to cause alpha-2U-globulin accumulation (WHO, 1991), it is possible that the kidney effects
observed in this study may not be relevant to human health risk assessment. However, there is
insufficient evidence to attribute the kidney effects observed in this study to alpha-2U-globulin
accumulation. The presence of alpha-2u-globulin was not tested for in the Nair et al. (1987)
study, and other studies have demonstrated the occurrence of kidney effects in animals other than
male rats. Hazleton Laboratories (1967a) reported kidney effects in orally treated dogs
(including tubule dilation, vacuolation, and leukocytic infiltration), and NTP (1985) reported
kidney effects in male and female mice (tubular necrosis) and male and female rats (degeneration
and necrosis of the proximal tubule) orally administered chlorobenzene in subchronic studies. It
is possible that the absence of kidney lesions in female rats in the Nair et al. (1987) study was
due to generally lower sensitivity of the females to chlorobenzene toxicity, as liver lesions were
also observed only in males in this study. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to attribute
the kidney lesions observed in this study to alpha-2U-globulin accumulation, and the kidney
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Table 3. Mean Absolute and Relative Liver Weights of F0 and Fi Rats Exposed to
Chlorobenzene Vapor (Nair et al., 1987)
Concentration
(PPm)
Males
Females
Absolute Liver
Weight (g)
Relative Liver
Weight (g)
Absolute Liver
Weight (g)
Relative Liver
Weight (g)
F0 Animals
0
19.3±2.2a
3.6±0.35
11.5±1.3
3.8±0.30
50
19.0±3.1
3.6±0.34
12.0±1.3
3.9±0.23
150
21.5±2.3C
4.1±0.30c
12.1±1.1
4.0±0.21b
450
21.9±3.8C
4.1±0.61c
13.3±1.5C
4.4±0.33c
Fi Animals
0
18.3±2.2
3.5±0.32
12.4±2.3
4.2±0.60
50
19.5±2.6
3.7±0.36b
12.7±1.6
4.2±0.35
150
21.7±3.5C
4.2±0.46c
13.1±1.6
4.4±0.41
450
23.4±4.1c
4.4±0.40c
14.0±2.0C
4.6±0.37c
a mean ± standard deviation
b statistically significant (p<0.05)
0 statistically significant (p<0.01)
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Table 4. Incidences of Liver, Kidney, and Testicular Lesions Observed in Adult Male
Rats Exposed to Chlorobenzene via Inhalation in a 2-Generation Reproductive Toxicity
Study (Nair et al., 1987)a
Organ, Lesion
Generation
Concentration (ppm)
0
50
150
450
Liver, hepatocellular
hypertrophy
F0
0/3 0b
0/30
5/3 0C
14/30d
Fi
2/30
0/30
3/30
7/30
Kidney, tubular
dilation/eosinophilic material
(unilateral or bilateral)
F0
0/30
4/30
6/3 0C
18/30d
Fi
8/30
7/30
14/30
22/3 0d
Kidney, chronic interstitial
nephritis (unilateral or
bilateral)
F0
1/30
2/30
7/3 0C
10/30d
Fi
1/30
3/30
7/3 0C
1 l/30d
Kidney, foci of regenerative
epithelium (unilateral or
bilateral)
F0
0/30
1/30
5/3 0C
8/3 0d
Fi
1/30
0/30
5/30
1 l/30d
Testes, small and flaccid
F0
0/30
0/30
1/30
3/30
Fi
0/30
0/30
1/30
5/3 0C
Testes, degeneration of
germinal epithelium
F0
1/30
0/30
2/30
6/30
Fi
1/30
0/30
3/30
6/30
a statistical analysis (Fisher Exact test) performed for this review and not by original investigators
b number of animals with lesion/total number of animals exposed
0 statistically significant (p<0.05)
dstatistically significant (p<0.01)
effects are considered relevant to human health risk assessment until conclusive evidence is
obtained indicating otherwise.
Nair et al. (1987) demonstrated dose-related effects on the liver, kidney, and testes. Male
rats were more sensitive than females. In all three organs, there was some evidence for an effect
at 150 ppm, and more clear evidence at 450 ppm. In the liver, significant increases in liver
weight and the incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy were seen at 150 and 450 ppm. In the
kidneys, the incidences of tubular dilation, chronic interstitial nephritis, and foci of regenerative
epithelium were increased at both 150 and 450 ppm. The kidney effects are considered relevant
to human health risk assessment, as previously discussed. In the testes, degeneration of the
germinal epithelium was not statistically increased in incidence even in the 450 ppm group, but
appeared to be related to treatment in both the 150 and 450 ppm groups based on severity of the
lesions observed. Although the testes appeared to be a target for chlorobenzene, reproductive
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performance was not affected at any exposure level. Based on these endpoints, this study
identified a LOAEL of 150 ppm (691 mg/m3) and NOAEL of 50 ppm (230 mg/m3).
Chlorobenzene was the subject of several developmental toxicity studies. John et al.
(1984) exposed groups of 32-33 pregnant Fischer 344 rats to 0, 75, 210, or 590 ppm (0, 345, 967,
or 2716 mg/m3) of chlorobenzene 6 hours/day on gestation days (GDs) 6-15. The dams were
sacrificed on GD 21. At necropsy, the uterine horns were examined for (1) number and position
of fetuses; (2) number of live and dead fetuses; (3) number and position of resorption sites; (4)
number of corpora lutea; (5) the sex, body weight, and crown-rump length of each fetus; and (6)
gross external abnormalities. One half of each litter was examined under a dissecting
microscope for soft tissue alterations, and the heads of these animals were also examined by
sectioning. All fetuses were examined for skeletal alterations.
No maternal deaths or changes in general appearance or behavior were observed in the
chlorobenzene-exposed rats (John et al., 1984). In dams exposed to 590 ppm, significant
decreases in body weight gain were observed on GDs 6-8 (Table 5); however, weight gains over
subsequent intervals and total weight gains over GDs 6-20 were not significantly affected.
Significant increases in absolute and relative liver weights were observed at 590 ppm (Table 5).
Mean litter size and incidence of resorptions were not affected by chlorobenzene exposure, and
no alterations in the incidence of malformations were observed in the rat fetuses. The incidences
of some minor skeletal variations were altered in some groups, but no consistent concentration-
related changes were observed. Therefore, chlorobenzene was not considered a developmental
toxicant in this study. A maternal NOAEL and LOAEL of 210 ppm and 590 ppm, respectively,
was identified from this study based on increased maternal liver weight and decreased body
weight. The developmental NOAEL was 590 ppm, the highest concentration tested.
Table 5. Body and Liver Weights of Female Rats Exposed to Chlorobenzene
(John et al., 1984)
Concentration
(ppm)
Body weight gain GD
6-8a (g)
Liver weight
(absolute) (g)
Liver weight
(relative)
0
3 ±2b
9.8 ±1.1
3.8 ±0.28
75
4 ± 3
10.0 ± 0.81
3.9 ±0.28
210
2 ± 3
10.1 ±0.54
3.9 ± 0.21
590
-2 ± 5C
11.0 ± 0.83c
4.3 ± 0.42c
a body weight gains at other time periods were comparable to controls and are not reported
b mean ± standard deviation0 statistically significant (p<0.05)
John et al. (1984) conducted two developmental toxicity studies in rabbits. In the first
study, groups of 30 pregnant New Zealand white rabbits were exposed to 0, 75, 210, or 590 ppm
(0, 345, 967, or 2716 mg/m3) of chlorobenzene for 6 hours/day on GDs 6-18 and sacrificed on
GD 29. Other details of the protocol were the same as described for rats (John et al. 1984). No
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effect on body weight or weight gain was observed in the does. Absolute and relative liver
weights in the does were reported to be significantly increased at 210 and 590 ppm, but the data
were not shown. No effects on reproductive or fetal parameters were found. There was a
statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the incidence of fetuses with extra rib at 590 ppm.
The number of litters affected, however, was comparable to controls (Table 6). There were also
several observations of historically rare malformations (head/facial anomalies, heart defects,
spina bifida, acephaly) in treated rabbits that were not seen in controls (Table 6). Because it was
not clear that any of these effects were directly related to chlorobenzene treatment, a second
experiment was conducted in rabbits at 0, 10, 30, 75, and 590 ppm.
Table 6. Fetal Alterations in Chlorobenzene Exposed Rabbits - Experiment 1


(John et al., 1984)


Concentration
(ppm)
Extra Rib
Head/Facial
Anomalies
Heart
Anomalies
Spina
Bifida
Acephaly
0
79 (24)a
0
0
0
0
75
68 (19)
1(1)
0
0
0
210
92 (33)
0
1(1)
1(1)
0
590
113b(26)
1(1)
2(2)
1(1)
1(1)
a number of fetuses affected (number of litters affected in parentheses)
b statistically significant (p<0.05)
In the second study (John et al., 1984), groups of 30-32 pregnant New Zealand White
rabbits were exposed to 0, 10, 30, 75, or 590 ppm (0, 46, 138, 345, or 2716 mg/m3) of
chlorobenzene 6 hours/day on GDs 6-18. An increase in maternal liver weight was observed in
the 590 ppm group. No significant alterations in the number of litters, number of fetuses per
litter, or the number of implantations resorbed were observed; however, there was a significant
increase in the number of litters with resorptions at 590 ppm. This observation, however, was
not considered to be related to chlorobenzene exposure by the researchers because the incidence
was within the range of historical controls (details on the historical controls were not reported)
and because this effect was not observed in the first rabbit study. The incidence of
malformations was not altered in the chlorobenzene-exposed groups. The malformations
observed in the first rabbit study were either not observed at all in the second study or were seen
at comparable incidence in the control group. An increased incidence of fetuses with extra ribs
was found at 10 ppm, but the number of affected litters was similar to controls. No increases in
extra ribs were seen at >30 ppm. Overall, no consistent developmental effects were observed in
the two studies conducted in rabbits. The NOAEL for developmental toxicity was the high
concentration of 590 ppm. Increased liver weights were observed at >210 ppm in maternal
animals in the first study; the second study did not test any concentration between 75 and 590
ppm. Therefore, the maternal NOAEL for these studies was 75 ppm (345 mg/m3) and the
maternal LOAEL was 210 ppm (967 mg/m3), based on increased liver weights.
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Tarkhova (1965) exposed groups of 15 male white rats (strain not specified) to 0, 0.1, or
1.0 mg/m3 (0, 0.02, 0.2 ppm) for an "uninterrupted" 60-day period. No alterations in body
weight or appearance were observed. In the 1.0 mg/m3 group, the conduction speeds of nerve
impulses to sets of flexor and extensor muscles had changed on day 39. The ratios of chronaxias
of the flexor and extensor muscles in the 1 mg/m3 exposed animals were measured every 9-10
days as the experiment progressed. Ninety-nine percent (99%) reliability of changes by
comparison to the control were observed starting day 39. A significant increase in blood
cholinesterase and changes in the ratio of albumin:a-globulin ratio (direction of the change can
not be determined) was also observed in the 1.0 mg/m3 group. The rise in blood cholinestrase
activity was observed in the 1 mg/m3 exposed groups of animals on the 36th day of the treatment.
Aranyi et al. (1986) tested the immunotoxicity of a number of potentially hazardous air
contaminants, including chlorobenzene. Female CDi mice (135/group) 4-5 weeks old were
exposed to either 0 or 75 ppm (0 or 345 mg/m3) of chlorobenzene for 3 hours/day for 5 days.
The mice were exposed simultaneously to an aerosol of viable Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and
deaths over a 14-day observation period were recorded. Pulmonary bactericidal activity of in
vivo alveolar macrophages was also monitored in animals (23/group) simultaneously exposed to
35 ^-Klebsiellapneumonia and either chlorobenzene or air. The ratio of viable bacterial counts to
radiolabeled bacteria was used to determine bactericidal activity. Exposure to chlorobenzene
resulted in no significant increase in mortality in female CDi mice due to S. zooepidemicus
challenge after 5 days of simultaneous exposure for 3 hours/day, in comparison with filtered-air
controls. There was also no evidence of any adverse effect on the bactericidal activity of
alveolar macrophages due to chlorobenzene exposure. The data indicate that immunotoxicity is
not likely a sensitive toxicological endpoint for chlorobenzene.
DERIVATION OF A PROVISIONAL SUBCHRONIC RfD
FOR CHLOROBENZENE
No relevant data were located regarding the subchronic or chronic toxicity of
chlorobenzene to humans following oral exposure. Subchronic studies in dogs (Hazleton
Laboratories, 1967a), rats (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a; NTP, 1985; Irish, 1963; Varshavskaya,
1967), and mice (NTP, 1985) and chronic studies in rats and mice (NTP, 1985) were located.
Overall, the data indicate that the liver and kidneys are the most sensitive target organs of orally
administered chlorobenzene in experimental animals, and that the dog is the most sensitive
species evaluated to chlorobenzene toxicity. In dogs, increased incidence of liver and kidney
pathology was reported by Hazleton Laboratories (1967a) at >39.3 mg/kg-day. Effects on the
bone marrow and GI tract were observed at higher chlorobenzene doses. In rodents, increased
liver and kidney weights and liver pathology was observed at > «100 mg/kg-day of
chlorobenzene (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967b; NTP, 1985; Irish, 1963). The kidney, bone
marrow, thymus, and spleen were affected by treatment at higher chlorobenzene doses (NTP,
1985). The available data indicate that the developing fetus is not a sensitive target of orally
administered chlorobenzene (IBT, 1977). Although no reproductive toxicity data from oral
studies were located, the available inhalation data indicate that reproductive toxicity is not the
most sensitive toxicological endpoint for chlorobenzene toxicity (Nair et al., 1987). Effects on
immune system tissues were observed in the study conducted by NTP (1985); however, these
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effects were only observed at substantially higher doses than those that induced liver toxicity.
An inhalation exposure immune function assay indicated that the immune system is not likely a
sensitive indicator of chlorobenzene toxicity (Aranyi et al., 1986). No neurotoxicity studies
using oral exposure were located. Inhalation data appear to indicate that neurotoxicity data could
be a sensitive endpoint of chlorobenzene toxicity in humans (Rosenbaum et al., 1947; Tarkhova,
1965; Ogata et al., 1991; Girard et al., 1969; and Syrovadko and Malysheva, 1977), although
none of these studies were sufficient to definitively conclude that chlorobenzene causes adverse
effects on the nervous system.
The 13-week study in dogs (Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a) was chosen as the basis for
the subchronic RfD because this study demonstrated that the dog is the most sensitive species
that has been evaluated in subchronic studies. In this study, chlorobenzene was administered to
male and female dogs (4 per sex and dose) in gelatin capsules containing 0, 27.5, 55.0, 275
mg/kg-day of chlorobenzene 5 days per week for 13 weeks (duration-adjusted doses of 0, 19.6,
39.3 or 196.4 mg/kg-day). This study revealed treatment-related effects in the liver, kidneys, GI
tract, and bone marrow at 196.4 mg/kg-day. At 39.3 mg/kg-day, effects on the liver (slight bile
duct proliferation, slight swelling and vacuolation and leukocytic infiltration) and kidneys
(swelling of tubular epithelium and variations in cellularity) were observed. No effects were
observed in dogs administered 19.6 mg/kg-day chlorobenzene. Although none of the increased
incidences at 39.3 mg/kg-day were significantly greater than controls, the study used only 8 dogs
(4 per sex) per dose and the small number of animals resulted in low power of statistical analysis
to detect a change. The study did show a clear increase in the incidence and severity of liver and
bile duct hyperplasia with increasing dose. Therefore, the marginal increase in liver lesions and
bile duct hyperplasia observed at 39.3 mg/kg-day was considered related to chlorobenzene
treatment. This study, then, identified a NOAEL of 19.6 mg/kg-day and a LOAEL of 39.3
mg/kg-day for liver and bile duct hyperplasia.
The provisional subchronic RfD of 7E-2 mg/kg-day is derived from the NOAEL of
19.6 mg/kg-day by applying an uncertainty factor of 300 (10 to extrapolate from dogs to humans,
10 to protect sensitive subpopulations, and 3 for database deficiencies, including the lack of
reproductive and neurological oral toxicity studies), as follows:
subchronic p-RfD = NOAEL UF
= 19.6 mg/kg-day300
= 0.07 or 7E-2 mg/kg-day
Confidence in the principal study is medium. This study demonstrated a progression of
effects with increasing dose, enabling identification of both a NOAEL and a LOAEL. However,
the study was limited by small group sizes, lack of statistical analysis and only marginally
adequate reporting of results. Confidence in the database is medium. Supporting oral toxicity
data are available, but reproductive effects have been studied only by inhalation exposure, and
neurotoxicity, which has been identified as a potential effect of chlorobenzene in humans
exposed by inhalation, has not been systematically studied by any route. Medium confidence in
the p-RfD follows.
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DERIVATION OF PROVISIONAL SUBCHRONIC AND
CHRONIC RfCs FOR CHLOROBENZENE
Human data suggest that the nervous system may be a target for chlorobenzene toxicity
(Rosenbaum et al., 1947; Girard et al., 1969; Tarkhova, 1965; Ogata et al., 1991). Headaches
and drowsiness have been reported by workers and experimental subjects (Rosenbaum et al.,
1947; Girard et al., 1969; Ogata et al., 1991), and tingling, numbness, and stiffness of the
extremities have been observed in workers (Rosenbaum et al., 1947). However, none of these
studies reported control data for these effects and the workers may have been exposed to other
chemicals in addition to chlorobenzene. Thus, the observations may not have been related to
chlorobenzene exposure. Tarkhova (1965) found alterations in the EEG pattern in response to
rapid light flashes in humans exposed at 0.2 mg/m3; however, the toxicological significance of
these alterations is not known. Tarkhova (1965) also reported effects of unclear relevance
(changes in the conduction speeds of nerve impulses to sets of flexor and extensor muscles) in
rats exposed to chlorobenzene at 1.0 mg/m3 for 60 days. The reliability of these data is uncertain
because these effects have not been confirmed by other studies. Taken together, the data suggest
that chlorobenzene may affect the nervous system. However, none of the data are adequate for
use in risk assessment, either because the effects cannot be definitively attributed to
chlorobenzene exposure, only single exposures were used, or the toxicological relevance of the
effects is not clear.
The available animal data indicate that the liver and kidneys are the most sensitive target
organs for chlorobenzene toxicity. Liver effects included increased weight, hepatocellular
hypertrophy, fatty change, and other unspecified microscopic lesions (IBT, 1979; Nair et al.,
1987; Dilley, 1977; Irish, 1963; Zub, 1978). Kidney effects included increased weights,
cytoplasmic vacuolation, tubule dilation, inflammation of the interstitial cells, and regeneration
of the epithelium in male rats (IBT, 1979; Irish, 1963; Nair et al., 1987; Dilley, 1977). The
NOAEL and LOAEL for both liver and kidney effects were 50 and 150 ppm (230 and 691
mg/m3, respectively) in the only adequately conducted and reported study (Nair et al., 1987).
Kidney lesions have only been reported in male rats (or rats of unspecified sex) in the available
inhalation studies, which suggests that the observed kidney effects may be related to alpha-2U-
globulin accumulation, a male rat-specific effect that is not predictive for health effects in
humans (U.S. EPA, 1991b). Such an effect is known for other chlorinated benzene compounds
(WHO, 1991). However, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to attribute the kidney
lesions observed by Nair et al. (1987) to alpha-2U-globulin accumulation. Although the lesions
were consistent with those associated with alpha-2U-globulin, Nair et al. (1987) did not test for
the presence of alpha-2U-globulin directly. Chlorobenzene produced kidney lesions, including
tubule dilation, vacuolation, and leukocytic infiltration, in dogs treated by oral exposure
(Hazleton Laboratories, 1967a). NTP (1985) reported kidney effects in male and female mice
(tubular necrosis) and male and female rats (degeneration and necrosis of the proximal tubule) in
oral subchronic studies on chlorobenzene. The absence of kidney lesions in females (Nair et al.,
1987) may reflect general lower sensitivity of females to chlorobenzene toxicity, as liver lesions
were also observed only in males in this study. For these reasons, there is insufficient evidence
to attribute the kidney lesions observed in this study to alpha-2U-globulin accumulation, and the
kidney effects are considered potentially relevant to human health risk assessment.
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The testis was also identified as a target for chlorobenzene in male rats. Possible effects
on the testes were observed in male rats exposed to chlorobenzene at 150 or 450 ppm (Nair et al.,
1987). However, it does not appear that the testes are as sensitive a target as the liver and kidney
because the incidence of the testicular lesions was only marginally increased in rats exposed at
chlorobenzene concentrations that induced significant increases in the incidences of animals with
microscopic liver and kidney lesions, and because reproductive performance was not affected.
Other studies suggested that the blood may be a potential target for chlorobenzene.
Effects on the blood were observed by Zub (1978), who reported slight leukopenia and
lymphocytosis in mice exposed to 100 mg/m3 for 3 months. Dilley (1977) reported microcytic
anemia in rats exposed at > 336 mg/m3. However, neither of these studies was adequate to base
a definitive conclusion regarding effects on the blood, either because sufficient detail was not
available to allow for an independent evaluation of study adequacy (Zub, 1978) or because the
animals were sick during exposure (Dilley, 1977). Anemia was also reported in workers
potentially exposed to unspecified concentrations of chlorobenzene; however, the workers were
also exposed to other chemicals (Girard et al., 1969). Clear effects on the blood were not
observed in dogs exposed to chlorobenzene for 6 months (IBT, 1979; Roloff, 1980) and blood
effects have not been consistently reported in chlorobenzene exposed animals in subchronic
studies; therefore, the data suggest that the blood is not likely a sensitive indicator of
chlorobenzene toxicity.
Developmental toxicity studies in two species were located, which indicate that
chlorobenzene is not a developmental toxicant (John et al., 1984). In a 2-generation reproductive
toxicity study in rats (Nair et al., 1987), marginal increases in testicular lesions were associated
with chlorobenzene exposure at concentrations that induced significant increases in the
incidences of microscopic liver and kidney lesions. Reproductive impairment was not observed
at any concentration. Therefore, it does not appear that reproductive toxicity is a sensitive
endpoint for chlorobenzene toxicity.
Although a number of subchronic inhalation studies in animals were located (IBT, 1979;
Roloff, 1980; Dilley, 1977; Irish, 1963), none of the these studies were considered adequate for
RfC derivation for the following reasons: a clear LOAEL was not established (combined data
from IBT, 1979 and Roloff, 1980); infection occurred in the test animals during exposure
(Dilley, 1977); sufficient detail on the experimental design and results were not reported (Irish,
1963; Zub, 1978); or only one concentration was used (Zub, 1978). The only available study
suitable for RfC derivation was the 2-generation study conducted by Nair et al. (1987). In this
study, Sprague-Dawley rats (30 per sex and dose) were exposed to chlorobenzene (>99% pure)
in a dynamic air chamber at target concentrations of 0, 50, 150, or 450 ppm (0, 230, 691, or 2072
mg/m3) for 10 weeks before mating, then during mating, gestation, and lactation. Their offspring
(Fi rats) were exposed for 11 weeks beginning 1 week after weaning. Clear treatment-related
effects were observed in the kidneys and liver of chlorobenzene exposed rats, and possible
effects on the testes were observed. Kidney effects included increased weights, tubule dilation,
inflammation of the interstitial cells, and regeneration of the epithelium in male rats; liver effects
included increased organ weight and hepatocellular hypertrophy. The NOAEL and LOAEL for
these effects was 50 and 150 ppm (230 and 691 mg/m3, respectively). A marginal increase in the
incidence of degeneration of the germinal epithelium was also observed at 150 ppm.
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In order to derive the point of departure for derivation of the RfC, the LEDio (lower
bound on dose estimated to produce a 10% increase in the extra risk of the modeled effects over
background) was estimated for all kidney and liver lesions reported by Nair et al. (1987) using
the U.S. EPA (2000) benchmark dose methodology. A 10% response level was modeled, as
recommended for dichotomous endpoints by U.S. EPA (2000). The sensitivity of the study does
not appear to warrant the use of a different response level (e.g., 1% or 5%). All available models
for dichotomous data in the EPA Benchmark Dose Software (version 1.3.2) were fit to the
incidence data for all treatment-related kidney and liver lesions observed in Nair et al. (1987)
(incidence data reported in Table 7 below). Because each of the lesions were considered
potentially relevant in human health risk assessment, the lesion that resulted in the lowest LEDio
that was adequately described by modeling was chosen as the point of departure for the RfC. As
illustrated in Table 7, renal tubular dilation resulted in the lowest LEDi0. Tubular dilation can be
caused by alpha-2U-globulin accumulation in male rats. However, tubular dilation was observed
in dogs orally administered chlorobenzene, and tubular necrosis, vacuolation, and/or
regeneration was observed in male and female rats and mice orally administered chlorobenzene
for 13 weeks. Therefore, tubular dilation is not necessarily a result of alpha-2u-globulin
accumulation and is potentially relevant to human health risk assessment; it was chosen as the
point of departure for RfC derivation.
The dichotomous models estimated concentrations between 17 and 125 ppm associated
with a 10%) extra risk (EDio) for tubular dilation (Table 8). As assessed by Akaike's Information
Criterion (AIC), the best fitting models were the gamma, quantal linear, and Weibull models.
Each of these models calculated EDio values of 53.8 ppm and a lower 95% confidence interval
(LEDio) of 39.7 ppm. Therefore, 39.7 ppm was selected as the point of departure to derive the p-
The LED io of 39.7 ppm (183 mg/m ) was converted to a human equivalent concentration
using the following equations (U.S. EPA, 1994b):
RfC.
LEDio adj
LEDio ad j
LEDio adj
LEDio x duration adjustment
183 mg/m3 x 6 hours/24 hours x 7 days/7 days
46 mg/m3
LEDio hec
LEDio adj x Lr/Lh
where,
Lr/Lh = rat to human blood:air partition coefficient ratio
Lr/Lh = default ratio of 1, because LR (59.4; Gargas et al., 1989) is greater than LH
(30.0; Gargas et al., 1989)
LEDio hec = 46 mg/m3 x 1
LEDio hec = 46 mg/m3
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Table 7. LEDi0 Values Calculated for Chlorobenzene Based on Liver and Kidney
Lesions in Nair et al. (1987)a
Organ, Lesion
Generation
Concentration (ppm)
LED io
(ppm)
0
50
150
450
Liver, hepatocellular
hypertrophy
F0
0/3 0b
0/30
5/3 0C
14/30d
97.3
Fi
2/30
0/30
3/30
7/30
NA
Kidney, tubular
dilation/eosinophilic
material (unilateral or
bilateral)
F0
0/30
4/30
6/3 0C
18/30d
39.7
Fi
8/30
7/30
14/30
22/3 0d
55.0
Kidney, chronic
interstitial nephritis
(unilateral or bilateral)
F0
1/30
2/30
7/3 0C
10/30d
55.9
Fi
1/30
3/30
7/3 0C
1 l/30d
49.5
Kidney, foci of
regenerative
epithelium (unilateral
or bilateral)
F0
0/30
1/30
5/3 0C
8/3 0d
73.0
Fi
1/30
0/30
5/30
1 l/30d
116.7
a statistical analysis (Fisher Exact test) performed for this review and not by original investigators
b number of animals with lesion/total number of animals exposed
0 statistically significant (p<0.05)
dstatistically significant (p<0.01)
NA not assessed because statistical significance was not observed at any concentration
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Table 8. EDi0, LEDio, and Selected Goodness of Fit Parameters from Modeled
Incidence of Tubular Dilation/Eosinophilic Material (Unilateral or bilateral)
Observed in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Chlorobenzene via Inhalation

(Nair et al., 1987)


MODEL
EDio (ppm)
LEDio (ppm)
% statistic
AIC
Gamma"
53.8
39.7
0.786
97.0
Quantal linear
53.8
39.7
0.786
97.0
Weibulf
53.8
39.7
0.786
97.0
Multi-stageb
56.6
39.8
0.586
99.0
Log-logisticc
51.33
17.0
0.501
99.4
Log-probitc
96.3
66.1
0.137
102.4
Probit
131.5
103.5
0.230
102.5
Logistic
143.4
111.6
0.210
102.9
Quantal quadratic
152.7
125.2
0.133
103.7
a Restrict power > 1
b Restrict betas >0, Degree of polynomial = 2
0 Slope restricted to >1
The LED 10 hec of 46 mg/m3 was divided by an uncertainty factor of 100 (3 to account for
interspecies extrapolation using dosimetric adjustments, 10 to protect sensitive subpopulations,
and 3 for database uncertainties [including the lack of adequate neurotoxicity data and the
absence of a study that examined the entire respiratory tract]) to yield a provisional subchronic
RfC of 5E-1 mg/m3, as follows:
subchronic p-RfC	= LEDio hec ^ UF
= 46 mg/m3 -M00
= 0.5 or 5E-1 mg/m3
Because no chronic inhalation toxicity studies were located in the literature, an additional
subchronic-to-chronic uncertainty factor of 10 was applied to the provisional subchronic RfC to
derive the provisional chronic RfC of 5E-2 mg/m3, as follows:
p-RfC	= subchronic p-RfC ^ UF
5E-1 mg/m3 - 10
= 5E-2 mg/m3
One area of uncertainty in the inhalation toxicity database for chlorobenzene is the lack
of a study in which the entire respiratory tract was examined. None of the studies discussed in
this issue paper examined the upper respiratory tract. Dilley (1977) examined the lungs, but the
high incidence of chronic respiratory disease observed in the controls and chlorobenzene-
exposed animals limited the ability of this study to detect chlorobenzene-related lung effects.
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Data reported by Irish (1963) indicate that the lungs are not more sensitive than the liver or
kidneys to chlorobenzene effects, although data from this study were not adequately reported
and, therefore, cannot be independently assessed. In the Ogata et al. (1991) human study, none
of the subjects complained of nose or eye irritation, although one of the subjects did complain of
a sore throat following a 7-hour exposure to 60.2 ppm (277 mg/m3). Another area of uncertainty
is the lack of neurological testing. The available human data (Ogata et al., 1991) suggest that the
nervous system may be a sensitive target of chlorobenzene toxicity. Headaches and drowsiness
were reported by experimental subjects during exposure to 60.2 ppm (277 mg/m3). The
subchronic and chronic RfCs that were derived from Nair et al. (1987) (0.5 and 0.05 mg/m3,
respectively) are substantially lower than concentrations associated with these effects. Although
Tarkhova (1965) reported changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns in response to
light flashes in 2/4 human subjects exposed at 0.2 mg/m3, the toxicological relevance of this
effect is not clear, and the reliability of these data is uncertain. Other studies have reported
potential neurological effects in exposed humans (Rosenbaum et al., 1947; Girard et al., 1969);
however, there is some uncertainty whether these effects were related to chlorobenzene exposure
because neither of these studies reported data from unexposed controls. None of the repeated-
dose animal studies observed overt signs of neurological effects. Tarkhova (1965) reported
potential effects in rats at 0.2 ppm (1 mg/m3); however, the toxicological significance of the
reported effect (changes in the conduction speeds of nerve impulses to sets of flexor and extensor
muscles on Day 39) is not clear, and these results have not been confirmed by other studies.
Confidence in the principal study (Nair et al. 1987) is high. It is a well designed two-
generation study examining relevant endpoints with an adequate number of animals. Confidence
in the database is low. As discussed above, the database lacks a study that adequately examined
the entire respiratory tract, and also lacks an adequate neurotoxicity study. Because the available
data suggest that neurotoxicity may be a sensitive toxicological endpoint for chlorobenzene,
confidence in the provisional chronic and subchronic RfC is low.
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