ToxFAQs^TM for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HCCPD)

Spanish: Hexaclorociclopentadieno (HCCPD)

CAS# 77-47-4

PDF Versionpdf icon[234 KB]

---

What is hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HCCPD)?

HCCPD is a yellow or yellow-green colored liquid with a pungent, unpleasant odor. It evaporates at room temperature and reacts quickly with water and moisture in the air to break down into other compounds.

HCCPD does not occur naturally, but it is manufactured and used in factories. It is mostly used to produce certain flame-retardant chemicals. It is also used to manufacture some pharmaceuticals, unbreakable plastics, and dyes. HCCPD was previously used to make certain pesticides that are now banned in the United States and most other countries.

---

What happens to HCCPD in the environment?

Small amounts of HCCPD can get into the environment from facilities that make or use this chemical. However, levels of HCCPD the environment are very low. In the air, HCCPD breaks down rapidly and is not expected to travel far. About half of the chemical is typically removed from the air in less than one day.

In water and surface soils, HCCPD will evaporate quickly into the air. In deeper soil, it can stick to the soil, so it is not expected to move into the groundwater. HCCPD is not expected to build up in plants or animals.

---

How can I be exposed to HCCPD?

General population exposure to HCCPD is expected to be extremely low. Individuals who produce or work with HCCPD, or live near these facilities, may be exposed to higher levels.

Most people are not likely to be exposed to harmful levels of HCCPD. Recent nationwide surveys have not detected HCCPD in air, ground or surface water, soil, or sediment in the United States.

People who live near a facility that manufactures or uses HCCPD may breathe low levels in the air. If you make or use HCCPD at work, you may increase your exposure.

---

How can HCCPD affect my health?

Direct contact with HCCPD liquid or vapor is irritating to the skin and eyes. Breathing in HCCPD vapor may irritate your nose, throat, and lungs.

Animals that breathed HCCPD had damage to the lining of the nose, throat, and lungs and animals that ate HCCPD had damage to the stomach. These effects are likely due to the reaction of HCCPD with moisture at the site of contact. Other health effects include adverse blood effects in animals that breathed HCCPD and kidney damage in animals that ate HCCPD. These effects are suspected (blood) or presumed (nose, throat, lung, stomach, kidney) to occur in humans exposed the same way.

---

Can HCCPD cause cancer?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not evaluated a cancer classification category for HCCPD.< /p>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that HCCPD is not likely to be a human carcinogen by the inhalation route.< /p>

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not evaluated the ability of HCCPD to cause cancer in people.

---

Can I get a medical test to check for HCCPD?

HCCPD levels can be measured in urine, feces, and blood within a couple of days of exposure. These tests cannot predict whether you will have health problems from exposure. Doctor’s offices do not routinely offer these tests.

If you think you have been exposed to this or any other chemical, talk to your doctor or nurse or call 1-800-222-1222 to be connected to your local poison control center.

---

How can I protect myself and my family from HCCPD?

Do not let your children play near facilities manufacturing or using HCCPD. If you work in one of these facilities, make sure you follow all safety guidelines.

---

For more information?

Call CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or submit your question online at
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form

Go to ATSDR’s Toxicological Profile for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene:
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=992&tid=208

Go to ATSDR’s Toxic Substances Portal:
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/index.aspx

Find & contact your ATSDR Regional Representative at
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/regional-offices/index.html

---

---