Toxicity studies of hexachlorobenzene administered by gavage to female Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats.

Despite the cessation of its production and use in many parts of the world, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) remains highly persistent in the environment, and chronic, low-dose exposure to HCB in humans continues. Its structural resemblance to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), ability to activate the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor, TCDD-like toxicities, and bioaccumulative nature suggest HCB be included in the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) methodology. Consequently, the National Toxicology Program conducted this subchronic study of HCB, including measurement of a variety of toxicological and biochemical endpoints, to allow comparison to TCDD data obtained in a previous 2-year bioassay. (Abstract Abridged).