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Hexachlorobenzene
Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary
Hexachlorobenzene is a pesticide residue — Previously pesticide to protect against fungus; banned in US
Also: HCB
What it does
Previously pesticide to protect against fungus; banned in US
Where you'll see it
Historically fish, meat, poultry, milk contamination
What the research says
Probable human cancer-causing agent per HHS. Animal studies show eating HCB-contaminated food long-term harms liver, immune system, kidneys, blood; skin breaks and color changes.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: BAN
- Notes: Banned in US; on EPA seven high priority list
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determined that HCB is a probable human cancer-causing agent