Chronic ingestion of chlorobenzene has resulted in damage to the kidneys and liver in animals. Chronic inhalation exposure of rats to chlorobenzene did not adversely affect reproductive performance or fertility. However, a slight increase in the incidence of degenerative testicular changes was observed. Chlorobenzene does not appear to be a developmental toxicant and did not produce structural malformations in rats and rabbits acutely exposed via inhalation. EPA has classified chlorobenzene as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Chlorobenzene occurs as a colorless flammable liquid, with low solubility in water.
The primary uses of chlorobenzene are as a solvent for pesticide formulations, diisocyanate manufacture, and degreasing automobile parts and for the production of nitrochlorobenzene. In the past, chlorobenzene was used as an intermediate in phenol and DDT production. Toxicological Profile for Chlorobenzene . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Toxicology Information Program, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD. 1993.