Hexachlorobenzene: Evaluation of risks to health from environmental exposure in Canada

Abstract In this assessment of hexachlorobenzene as a Priority Substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, estimates of the average total daily intake of the general population are presented and available data on potential health effects are evaluated. Based on the sufficient weight of evidence of carcinogenicity of hexachlorobenzene in several studies in rodents following long‐term exposure, the compound has been classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. Based on comparison of the average daily intake of hexachlorobenzene by the Canadian general population and by selected subgroups therein with the potential of the substance to induce tumours, the priority for consideration of options to reduce exposure in the general environment is considered to be moderate to high compared to that of other substances assessed in the Priority Substances program.

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