Nineteen isomeric chlorophenols were tested in the MIT-24 system for their toxicity to HeLa cells. Cytotoxicity varied between 0.37 and 900mg/L and generally increased in proportion to the number of chlorine substituents and the partition coefficient. In addition, ortho chlorination decreased toxicity, while meta chlorination had the opposite effect. A good correlation was found between HeLa cell toxicity and data on the bacterial toxicity of the substances, indicating similarity of mechanism of action. Acute lethal dosage in rats did not correlate well with the cytotoxicity data, in spite of a probably similar toxic effect. The reason for this is discussed.
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