Nitrobenzene cancer

With regard to human health effects of 1,3-DNB, the few available studies involved acute-duration occupational exposure to 1,3-DNB by the inhalation and dermal routes, a case of accidental ingestion of a nitrobenzene dye, and a case of an experimenter who self-applied 1,3-DNB dermally for research purposes. No information was located on intermediate-or chronic-duration exposures in humans by any route. No information is available regarding immunologic, developmental, reproductive, genotoxic, or cancer effects in humans by any route of exposure. 

As repeat exposure to nitrobenzene in air over a lifetime causes cancer in animals, nitrobenzene may likewise cause cancer in humans (OPPT). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (lARC) has determined that nitrobenzene is possibly carcinogenic to humans. 

In studies with laboratory animals, a single dose of nitrobenzene fed to male rats resulted in damage to the testicles and decreased levels of sperm. This suggests that decreased fertility may be a concern in humans. There is very little information available about the effects of long-term exposure of humans or animals to nitrobenzene, and it is not known whether exposure to nitrobenzene can cause cancer. 

No studies were located regarding cancer in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to nitrobenzene. 

Lungs exposed to the lower amines can exhibit hemorrhage and edema (excessive fluid accumulation). Aniline and nitrobenzene may cause the iron(II) in blood hemoglobin to be oxidized to iron(HI) so that the blood no longer transports oxygen. Some of the aromatic amines are known human carcinogens. Two important examples are 1-naphthylamine and 2-naphthylamine, which were shown to cause bladder cancer in German dye industry workers exposed to these compounds around 1900. 

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