Overview
o-Dichlorobenzene is used as a chemical intermediate for making agricultural herbicides. It is toxic to the liver, kidneys and the nervous system, and causes cancer in animal studies.
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 600 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 600 ppb for o-dichlorobenzene was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to internal organs.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL): 600 ppb
The legal limit for o-dichlorobenzene, established in 1991, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals conducted in the 1970s.
ppb = parts per billion
National Standard Exists
Health Concerns:
Cancer
Harm to the central nervous system
Harm to the liver
Harm to the kidney
