Is Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) safe for babies and kids?
High risk for kidsInfants accumulate Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What is hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd)?
The IUPAC name is 1,1,2,3,4,4-hexachlorobuta-1,3-diene.
Also known as: 1,1,2,3,4,4-hexachlorobuta-1,3-diene, HEXACHLORO-1,3-BUTADIENE, Hexachlorobutadiene, Perchlorobutadiene.
- IUPAC name
- 1,1,2,3,4,4-hexachlorobuta-1,3-diene
- CAS number
- 87-68-3
- Molecular formula
- C4Cl6
- Molecular weight
- 260.8 g/mol
- SMILES
- C(=C(Cl)Cl)(C(=C(Cl)Cl)Cl)Cl
- PubChem CID
- 6901
Risk for babies
High riskInfants accumulate Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskHexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) persists in maternal adipose tissue and is mobilized during pregnancy and lactation. Lipophilic pollutants concentrate in breast milk and cross the placenta during critical developmental windows.
Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.
Regulatory consensus
11 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 1999 | Group 2B | |
| US EPA | 1991 | possible human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / NIOSH | — | potential occupational carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IRIS | — | C (Possible human carcinogen) | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 3 - Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 1 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 1 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 2 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: Skin sensitization - Category 1B (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: Category 1 (score: high) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD):
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Exposure reduction (environmental contaminant)
Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd) safe for kids?
Infants accumulate Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What products contain hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd)?
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd)?
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) has been classified by 11 agencies including IARC, US EPA, EPA CTX / NIOSH, EPA CTX / IRIS, EPA CTX / IARC, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) in the baby app
Look up products containing hexachlorobutadiene (hcbd), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- IARC Monographs Volume 73: Hexachlorobutadiene — Group 2B; renal tubular tumors in rats; glutathione conjugation nephrotoxicity mechanism; industrial byproduct formation (1999) — iarc_monograph
- Stockholm Convention COP7: HCBD Listed under Annex A (Elimination) and Annex C (Unintentional Release Reduction) — Chlorinated Solvent Manufacturing Byproduct Controls (2015) — regulatory
- ATSDR Minimal Risk Levels: Hexachlorobutadiene — Renal Toxicity as Primary Endpoint, Biomonitoring Data, Industrial Site Contamination, Aquatic Benchmarks (2008) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →