dibromochloropropane

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) is a synthetic halogenated hydrocarbon pesticide, historically used as a soil fumigant against nematodes in agriculture. It is a dense yellow liquid, highly lipophilic and persistent in the environment, with a high mobility in soil and low potential for bioconcentration. DBCP is metabolized primarily in the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes and glutathione S-transferases, forming cytotoxic metabolites that can bind covalently to DNA and cause single-strand breaks, particularly in testicular seminiferous tubules. Its main toxicity mechanism is gonadotoxicity—decreasing sperm mobility and spermatogenesis, causing testicular atrophy, and producing mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Widespread use began in the 1950s, leading to regulatory bans due to its adverse health effects, including cancer and infertility[3][4][6][7].

Brand names

FumagonNemagonOxy DBCPFumazoneNemabromNemafumNemanaxNemapazNemasetNemazonGro-Tone NematodeDurham Nematocide EM 17.1BBC 12BBC12BBC-12

Other names

1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropanepropane, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloro