Trichlorobenzene Surveillance

The major uses of trichlorobenzene are in dry cleaning industries, construction/soil remediation, and metal degreasing.

Symptoms of acute exposure include dizziness, incoordination, and drowsiness. It has been subject to a carcinogenesis bioassay by NCI and found not to be carcinogenic. However, chronic, low-level exposure to trichlorobenzene has been found to cause decreased memory and impairment of the central nervous system.

Trichlorobenzene may affect the health of workers if it’s in a form that may be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Occupations such as dry cleaners, construction/soil remediation workers, automotive and other metal working industries are susceptible to danger from exposure to trichlorobenzene.