Hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorobenzene accumulation and the effect on CYP1A1, SULT1A, COMT and steroid secretion in term placental tissue were determined. Explants of placental tissue were exposed to between 0.02 and 2 ng/ml HCBz or PeCBz for 6-72 h. Accumulation was measured by capillary gas chromatography and quadrupole mass spectrometry. CYP1A1, SULT1A, COMT activity and progesterone secretion were analysed by EIA. Protein expression was quantified by Western blot; 6% HCBz and 7% PeCBz were detected in the tissue. Fast induction of CYP1A1 activity and protein expression in the presence of HCBz were observed. HCBz increased, while PeCBz decreased COMT protein expression. The stimulatory effect of HCBz, and the inhibitory of PeCBz on progesterone secretion and CYP11A1 protein expression were noted. Later activation of CYP1A1, inhibition of COMT protein expression and progesterone secretion by PeCBz suggest greater exposure to PeCBz and pointing at PeCBz as the main factor responsible for the disruption of placental function.