Dicofol (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 30, 1983)

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

DICOFOL

VOL.: 30 (1983) (p. 87)

CAS No.: 115-32-2
Chem. Abstr. Name: Benzenemethanol, 4-chloro-a-(4-chlorophenyl)-a-(trichloromethyl)-

4. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

4.1 Experimental data

Dicofol (technical-grade) was tested for carcinogenicity in mice and rats by administration in the diet. It induced hepatocellular carcinomas in male mice. The study in rats was considered to be inadequate for evaluation.

Dicofol (technical-grade), even when given at high doses, had no effect on reproduction or foetal development in mice; however, high doses in rats appeared to have an adverse effect on preimplantation stages of embryonal development.

Dicofol was negative in bacterial tests for mutagenicity and for DNA damage, with or without exogenous metabolic activation. The experimental protocols and results of studies with eukaryotes were not presented in adequate detail for an evaluation to be made. No overall evaluation of the mutagenicity of dicofol could be made.

4.2 Human data

Dicofol was introduced in 1955. Its production, formulation and widespread use as an acaricide on cotton and edible crops are potential sources of exposure, both of workers and of the general population.

No data were available to evaluate the teratogenic or chromosomal effects of dicofol in humans.

No case report or epidemiological study of the carcinogenicity of dicofol alone was available to the Working Group. (See, however, the section 'Cancer Epidemiology of Pesticide Manufacturers, Formulators and Users', in this volume.)

4.3 Evaluation

Results of the experiment in mice provide limited evidence that dicofol is carcinogenic to experimental animals. No data on humans were available.

The available data are insufficient to evaluate the carcinogenicity of dicofol to humans.

For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 62: Group 3)

Synonyms

Acarin
1,1-Bis(chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol
1,1-Bis(para-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol
1,1-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol
Carbax
Cekudifol
Childion
CPCA
Decofol
Dichlorokelthane
Di-(para-chlorophenyl)trichloromethylcarbinol
4,4'-Dichloro-a-(trichloromethyl)benzhydrol
DTMC
ENT 23,648
FW 293
Hilfol
Hilfol 18.5 EC
Keltane
Kelthane
para,para'-Kelthane
Kelthane A, AP, EC, MF, & 35
Kelthane Dust Base
Kelthanethanol
Milbol
Mitigan
NCI CO0486
2,2,2-Trichloro-1,1-bis(para-chlorophenyl)ethanol
2,2,2-Trichloro-1,1-di(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol

Last updated: 16 April 1998





























    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Dicofol (ICSC)
       Dicofol (FAO/PL:1968/M/9/1)
       Dicofol (AGP:1970/M/12/1)
       Dicofol (WHO Pesticide Residues Series 4)
       Dicofol (Pesticide residues in food: 1992 evaluations Part II Toxicology)