What is 1,4 Dichlorobenzene?
Chemical found mainly in air fresheners, toilet deodorizers and mothballs, it is the substance that helps block and mask unpleasant scents. 22 It is a man made chemical and does not occur in nature. 22 It is a white colourless solid that has a scent that resembles that of mothballs and changes to vapor when exposed to air. 22 Mainly found in deodorant blocks, air fresheners, mold and mildew control products. 22 It is the active ingredient in mothballs and according to the
EPA’s air quality guide it is a chemical toxin since its vapors can effect
repiratory function. 23
Chemical Name
1,4 Dichlorobenzene 22
Chemical Formula
· C6H4Cl2 22
Physical State
Colourless solid 22
Health Concerns
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/153640450.jpg)
· 1,4 Dicholorbenzene can be released into the air through air fresheners and then absorbed by the skin and eventually end up in the blood stream of humans. Approximately 96% of Americans have traces of the substance in their blood stream. This is a major health concerns as recent studies have shown that the chemical can lead to severe lung degeneration. This reduced lung function can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, and well as death. 24 Also breathing in high levels of 1, dicholorobenzenen can irritate the
eyes and nose, and cause burning sensation of the eyes. 22 Coughing, breathlessness,
and nausea can also be caused due to exposure
to the chemical.1,4 dicholorbenzene has also been linked to causing problems to the nervous system, blood cells, lungs, liver and kidneys. 22 It is a level 2 carcinogen. 22
Environmental Concerns
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/430278314.jpg?358)
1,4 Dicholorobenzene is released into the environment mainly through
mothballs and air fresheners, as very small quantities of it is released by
hazardous waste sites. 22 Once 1,4 dicholorobenzene has been released into the
environment it can occasionally bind to
soil and sediment, and can be washed into water bodies by rain fall. 22 Although
it is not easily broken down by the environment soil organisms and aquatic life
and plants are capable of breaking it down. 22 Unfortunately this causes them to develop deformities and/or die off. 22 The chemical can also be a viewed as a harmful
pollutant in the atmosphere. 22
References:
22. Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health. Frequently Asked Questions: 1.2 Dichlorobenzene, 1.3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene. Delaware: n.p., Oct. 2009. PDF.
23. "Chemical In Many Air Fresheners May Reduce Lung Function." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 July 2006. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060727100258.htm>.
24. DeNoon, Daniel J. "Air Fresheners Linked to Lung Damage." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20060727/air-fresheners-linked-to-lung-damage>.
22. Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health. Frequently Asked Questions: 1.2 Dichlorobenzene, 1.3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene. Delaware: n.p., Oct. 2009. PDF.
23. "Chemical In Many Air Fresheners May Reduce Lung Function." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 July 2006. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060727100258.htm>.
24. DeNoon, Daniel J. "Air Fresheners Linked to Lung Damage." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20060727/air-fresheners-linked-to-lung-damage>.