O-DICHLOROBENZENE FACT SHEET
 
Brief Overview:
Contaminant: o-Dichlorobenzene
Category: Organic
MCL: 600 PPB
Source: Used in making chemicals such as herbicides
Effect: Can cause damage to nervous system, liver, kidneys and blood cells
Followup: Treat and restest quarterly
Treatment: Granular activated charcoal

Details:
Source: Ortho-dichlorobenzene, (o-DCB) is a colorless organic liquid with a pleasant, aromatic odor. The greatest use of o-dichlorobenzene is as a chemical intermediate for making agricultural chemicals, primarily herbicides. Other present and past uses include: solvent for waxes, gums, resins, wood preservatives, paints; insecticide for termites and borers; in making dyes; as a coolant, deodorizer, degreaser.

Production of o-DCB was estimated at 43 million lbs. in 1991. Its use in manufacturing and solvents may be significant sources of discharges into water. Dichlorobenzenes also enter water systems from the use of o-DCB as a deodorant in industrial wastewater treatment. Chemical waste dump leachates and industrial wastewater are the major source of pollution of dichlorobenzenes to Lake Ontario.

From 1987 to 1993, according to the Toxic Release Inventory, o-DCB releases to land and water totalled 248 million lbs., mostly to land. These releases were primarily form organic chemical manufacturing industries. The largest releases occurred in New Jersey.
What happens to o-DCB when it is released to the environment? If released to soil, o-DCB can bind to soil particles. However, its detection in groundwater indicates that leaching can occur. It will evaporate from soil or surface water and will be broken down by microbes. o-DCB is likely to accumulate in fish and other aquatic life.

Effect: Short-term: o-DCB is not known to cause any health problems when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time.
Long-term: o-DCB has the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys and blood cells.

Followup: Treat and retest quarterly.

Treatment: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed Tower Aeration.