Chlorocarbons and Chlorohydrocarbons, Toxic Aromatics

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and naphthalenes (PCNs) are halogenated aromatic industrial compounds produced and marketed for a wide variety of applications. PCBs were used as heat‐transfer fluids, organic diluents, lubricant inks, plasticizers, fire retardants, paint additives, sealing liquids, immersion oils, adhesives, dedusting agents, waxes, and as dielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers. PCNs were used as waxes and impregnants (for protective coatings), water repellents, and wood preservatives. PCBs have been identified as contaminants in almost every component of the global ecosystem including the air, water, sediments, fish, wildlife, and humans. PCNs are only infrequently detected because these products had been used much less than the commercial PCBs. The toxicology of PCBs has been extensively studied and the commercial mixtures elicit a broad spectrum of toxic and biochemical responses. γ‐Lindane is a chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide that has also been widely identified in the environment. The toxic responses elicited by γ‐lindane in laboratory animals include hepato‐ and nephrotoxicity, reproductive and embryotoxicity, mutagenicity in some short term in vitro bioassays, and carcinogenicity. Only minimal data are available on the mammalian toxicities of hexachlorocyclopentadiene. The impact of environmental exposure to γ‐lindane is unknown and only minimal toxic effects have been observed in occupationally‐exposed individuals.

The Complex Interaction between Marine Debris and Toxic Chemicals in the Ocean

“…The fact that PBTs are present in human diet is well documented (for an example, see Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology). The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data tracks a variety of PBTs, including PCBs.…”