Some Industrial Chemical Intermediates and Solvents

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This volume of the IARC Monographs provides evaluations of the carcinogenicity of five High Production Volume chemicals: glycidyl methacrylate, 1-butyl glycidyl ether, 1-bromo-3-chloropropane, 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride, and allyl chloride.

Glycidyl methacrylate is mainly used in the production of epoxy polymers and vinyl and acrylic resins. The polymers are subsequently used in dental sealants, composites and adhesives, bone composite materials, powder coatings, hydrogel lenses, and food contact material.

1-Butyl glycidyl ether is a reactive intermediate and viscosity-reducing solvent used in the manufacture of epoxy resins, and is also used as a surface modifier in the dyeing of cotton and wool.

1-Bromo-3-chloropropane is an intermediate in the manufacture of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, some pesticides, and other chemicals.

4-Chlorobenzotrifluoride is widely used as a solvent and diluent for inks, paints, toners, and coatings and in dispersive applications in the automotive industry. It is also a major component in industrial and consumer formulations such as cleaners, degreasers, stain removers, and sealants.

Allyl chloride is almost exclusively used in the production of epichlorohydrin, a basic building block for epoxy resins and the synthesis of glycerol, although it is also an intermediate in the synthesis of various pesticides, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and personal-care products.

Exposure to all these agents may occur in various occupational settings as well as in the general population.

An IARC Monographs Working Group reviewed epidemiological evidence, animal bioassays, and mechanistic evidence to reach conclusions as to the carcinogenic hazard to humans of exposure to these agents.