About O-Dichlorobenzene

Dichlorobenzene is a colorless, organic compound with an intense mothball-like odor. Also known as 1,4-DCB, p-DCB, or para-dichlorobenzene, the organic solid of white crystals is produced from benzene using ferric chloride by chlorination.

What Types of Industrial Uses Does It Have

The organic compound is used as a pesticide to control moths. It is also used as a disinfectant and deodorant in restrooms as well as in waste containers. The pesticide is also used as a fungicide on crops to control molds. Dichlorobenzene is also utilized as a precursor to other commercial chemicals such as dyes and pigments. It is an essential intermediate in the manufacturing of other chemicals.

How Does Dichlorobenzene Get into Your Drinking Water

The primary cause for dichlorobenzene contamination is chemical discharge from industrial companies near water supplies. In case you are living near industrial factories, you should check your water for potential contamination. A complete water test must be conducted to acquire correct information regarding your water quality.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Dichlorobenzene

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the organic compound is anticipated as a carcinogen. Dichlorobenzene in drinking water in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) may cause an individual to experience kidney, liver, or spleen damages, anemia, or changes in the blood. Repeated oral intake of water with the organic compound may cause serious kidney problems. Acute exposure to the water pollutant may cause nose and throat irritation, headache, and nausea.

What is the EPA’s Standards for Dichlorobenzene in Drinking Water

The maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG) for Dichlorobenzene is 0.075 mg/L or 75 ppb. Any form of the contaminant in excess of the set EPA standard must be removed to protect humans from its potential health threats. If your drinking water contains excess levels of Dichlorobenzene, stop the use of the water and take immediate action to address the water issue.

What Treatment is Recommended for Removing Dichlorobenzene from Drinking Water

The recommended treatment for the removal of the contaminant from your drinking water is with the use of granular activated carbon with packed tower aeration. This treatment is effective in treating and removing Dichlorobenzene to below the maximum contaminant level goals of 0.075 mg/L or 75 ppb. Granular activated carbon is a popular filtration media used in the removal of a considerable number of water contaminants. If the level of pollutants in your water supply is high, you should contact a professional or your local water authorities to get the best treatment.

Water filtration systems also work in eliminating contaminants from your drinking water. If you have minimum levels of pollutants like Dichlorobenzene in your water, you can install a water filter system to remove the impurities in your feed water.

AquaOx’s whole house filter system will help you protect your family from foreign substances in your drinking water. If you’re worried about potential contaminants, install an effective water treatment system and filter the water that goes into your house.

O-DICHLOROBENZENE is a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Flash point 150°F. Toxic by inhalation and ingestion. Used to make other chemicals, solvents, fumigants and insecticides and for many other uses.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals