The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is taking a closer look at the chemical Chlorobenzene. The MDH Health Risk Assessment Unit began a chemical review of chlorobenzene in March. The agency reviews chemical toxicity information in response to requests from State agencies and individuals to determine if health-based guidance values need to be developed or updated.
Chlorobenzene is a volatile organic chemical used primarily as an industrial degreasing solvent, as well as in the production of other chemicals like pesticides. MDH says the chemical degrades relatively quickly in water and soil and is not expected to bioaccumulate. It has been detected in Minnesota groundwater, most frequently near landfills and industrial sites.
MDH is also reviewing the following contaminants in 2026:
- Arsenic
- 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS)
- O-Toluidine
- Trifluoroacetate
To view the chemicals MDH reviewed over the past two years, visit the MDH website.