Which chemical is known to cause sinonasal cancer and liver toxicity?

Chloroform is known for its potential harmful effects, including causing sinonasal cancer and liver toxicity. Historically, chloroform has been used as an anesthetic and solvent, but its carcinogenic properties, particularly in relation to the sinonasal tract, have been recognized. The exposure to chloroform can occur in various settings, especially in laboratories and industrial environments.

Chloroform’s mechanism as a carcinogen involves its metabolism in the liver, where it can create reactive metabolites that may lead to cellular damage and the potential development of tumors over time. Additionally, chloroform has been associated with liver toxicity due to its capability to induce liver cell injury and inflammation.

In contrast, while other chemicals listed have their own health risks—like benzene associated with hematological cancers and xylene being a neurotoxin—neither specifically relates to sinonasal cancer in the same manner as chloroform. Therefore, chloroform is the chemical that most accurately corresponds to both sinonasal cancer and liver toxicity in this context.