Registration Dossier

Data platform availability banner - registered substances factsheets

Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

Description of key information

The available studies indicate on a weight-of-evidence consideration a skin irritation, eye irritation and respiratory irritation potential of 1,2-dichlorobenzene.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed (irritating)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed (irritating)

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed (irritating)

Additional information

Regarding skin irritation, 1,2-dichlorobenzene meets the criteria for classification according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. The proposed classification is: Skin Irrit. 2.

For eye irritation, two studies reports exist (Thyssen, 1979 (Bayer study) and EPA, 1976 (Allied Chemical Cooperation study)). The most reliable Bayer study resulted in no classification because the mean values of all scores were lower than 0.61 and after 7 days all effects were reversible. In the Allied Chemical Cooperation study, the conjunctival effects persisted throughout the 7-day observation period. Thus, results of the Allied Chemical Cooperation study leads to classification. In addition, a further reference (Hollingsworth, 1958) showed slight conjunctival irritation, being reversible after 7 days.

Altogether these studies indicate the eye irritation potential of 1‚2-dichlorobenzene. Classification and labelling under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 will be Eye Irritation - Category 2.

Furthermore, exposure to 1,2-dichlorobenzene vapour has been reported to cause some respiratory irritation in humans above 100 ppm when exposed for four days (BUA Report, 1990). Moreover, the RD50, based on reflex bradypnea, for male mice exposed to 1,2-dichlorobenzene vapour was found to be 163 ppm. Olfactory epithelial lesions were observed in mice exposed to 64 ppm (NICNAS, 2001).

Extrapolation factors from short term toxicity studies to long term toxicity studies are not always needed. For local irritation the concentration is in most cases the relevant parameter, and prolongation of exposure is expected to influence the severity of effect and morphology of changes, but not the NOAEC. Therefore, the NOAEC of 100 ppm can be regarded as a chronic NOAEC with no further need for an assessment factor for duration extrapolation.

Hence, 1,2-dichlorobenzene meets the criteria for irritation of the respiratory system: STOT SE 3, H335.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on a weight-of-evidence consideration and considering the harmonised classification - Annex VI of regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) the following classifications are proposed:

Skin: According to CLP classification criteria (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) a classification as Skin Irrit. 2 (H315: Causes skin irritation).

Eye: According to CLP classification criteria (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) a classification as Eye Irrit. 2 (H319: Causes serious eye irritation).

Respiratory: According to CLP classification criteria (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) a classification as STOT SE 3 (H335: May cause respiratory irritation).