Toxicity of chloroprene, 1,3-dichlorobutene-2, and 1,4-dichlorobutene-2.

A review of the toxicity of 1,3-dichlorobutene-2 (1,3-DCB), 1,4-dichlorobutene-2 (1,4-dcb), and 2-chlorobutadiene, 1,3 (beta-chloroprene) was undertaken with an emphasis on assessing the hazards of these materials in the industrial situation. 1,3-DCB is a by-product of beta-chloroprene from the acetylene route, with 1,4-DCB is an intermediate in the production of beta-chloroprene from the butadiene route, the production route used in the U.S. Presented in the review is a summary of the acute toxicity including mutagen testing, skin, eye, and inhalation testing of these compounds. In addition, subacute inhalation testing, embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity are also reviewed where the information is available.