Hexachlorobenzene

What is Hexachlorobenzene?

HCB is a white crystalline solid which was commonly used as a pesticide until 1965. In the past, HCB was also used as a fungicide to protect seeds of wheat and for a variety of industrial purposes. HCB is a persistent, bioacculumative, and toxic (PBT) pollutants target by EPA.

Why Are We Concerned About HCB?

Because HCB is persistent and bioaccumulative, it stays in our environment for a long time and contaminates our food chain. HCB can cause severe health problems for humans and other wildlife.

What harmful effects can HCB have on us?

Damages bones, kidneys, and blood cells
Can harm the immune system
Lowers the survival rates of young children
Can cause abnormal fetal development
Harms the liner, endocrine, and nervous system
May cause cancer

How are we exposed to HCB?

Infants exposed through breast milk
During pregnancy, unborn children can be exposed through the mother's blood stream
By eating foods such as meat and poultry if those animals are exposed from contaminated feed
By drinking dairy products where the cattle have been exposed through their feed
By eating contaminated fish and shellfish
Breathed in in urban air

Where can HCB be found?

Although HCB is no longer directly used, it is still found in our environment as a by-product of certain activities and because of past use.

Past uses:

Used to make fireworks and ammunition
Used to manufacture synthetic rubber
Used as a fungicide to protect wheat and other seeds

Potential Sources to our Environment: