Is p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) safe for babies and kids?
Elevated risk for kidsInfants are vulnerable to p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.
What is p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)?
The IUPAC name is 1,4-dichlorobenzene.
Also known as: 1,4-dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, paradichlorobenzene, Paracide.
- IUPAC name
- 1,4-dichlorobenzene
- CAS number
- 106-46-7
- Molecular formula
- C6H4Cl2
- Molecular weight
- 147.0 g/mol
- SMILES
- C1=CC(=CC=C1Cl)Cl
- PubChem CID
- 4685
Risk for babies
Elevated riskInfants are vulnerable to p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.
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 riskOccupational and household exposure to p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) during pregnancy is associated with developmental toxicity. Solvents readily cross the placenta and can cause fetal growth restriction.
Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.
Regulatory consensus
19 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 1999 | Group 2B | |
| US EPA | 1998 | likely human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / NIOSH | — | potential occupational carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / NTP RoC | — | Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / Health Canada | — | Group III: CEPA (possibly carcinogenic to humans) | |
| EPA CTX / EPA OPP | — | Group C Possible Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: negative, 1 positive / 4 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: negative, 1 positive / 4 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Eye Irrit. 2 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Category 2 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Not classified (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: Category 1 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Category 6.4A (Category 2A) (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Category 6.3A (Category 2) (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA): Not likely to be sensitizing (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | eye irritation: in vivo: Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | skin irritation: in vivo: Moderate or Mild Irritation (score: moderate) |
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 p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)
- 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 p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene):
-
Physical/mechanical pest control (IPM)
Trade-offs: More labor-intensive. May not be sufficient for severe infestations.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) safe for kids?
Infants are vulnerable to p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.
What products contain p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)?
p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) 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 p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)?
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 p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)?
p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) has been classified by 19 agencies including IARC, US EPA, EPA CTX / NIOSH, EPA CTX / NTP RoC, 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 p-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) in the baby app
Look up products containing p-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (3)
- IARC Monographs Volume 73: p-Dichlorobenzene — Group 2B; Female Mouse Liver Tumors; Male Rat Kidney Alpha-2µ-Globulin Mechanism; Consumer Product Exposure; Indoor Air Quality (1999) — iarc_monograph
- CDC NHANES Fourth Report: 2,5-Dichlorophenol (p-DCB Metabolite) — Near-Universal US Population Detection; Moth Ball and Air Freshener Exposure Correlation; Children's Higher Burden (2009) — regulatory
- US EPA IRIS: p-Dichlorobenzene — Likely Human Carcinogen; MCL 0.075 mg/L; Oral Slope Factor; Consumer Product Inhalation Assessment; Aquatic Life Criteria (1998) — 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 →