5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data 2-Chloronitrobenzene was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in the diet in one study in mice and in one study in rats. The studies were inadequate for an evaluation. 4-Chloronitrobenzene was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in the diet in one study in mice and in one study in rats. Although the study in mice reported an increased incidence of vascular tumours in exposed males and females, neither study was considered adequate for an evaluation. 3-Chloronitrobenzene has not been tested for carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
Metabolism is slow, with elimination of metabolites occurring over many days.
Considerable interindividual variation occurs in this metabolism. The urinary metabolites of 4-chloronitrobenzene are qualitatively similar in humans and rats. 3-chloronitrobenzene in humans were available to the Working Group. In humans, exposure to 4-chloronitrobenzene is associated with such symptoms as headache, palpitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and poor appetite. Cyanosis, methaemoglobinaemia and anaemia also occur.