Polyhalogenated compound: Difference between revisions

{{RefimproveRef improve|date=February 2009}}

A '''Polyhalogenatedpolyhalogenated compoundscompound''' (PHCs'''PHC''') areis any compoundscompound with multiple substitutions of [[halogen]]s. They are of particular interest and importance because they [[bioaccumulate]] in humans, and comprise a superset of which has many toxic and carcinogenic industrial chemicals as members. [[Polybrominated diphenyl ethers|PBDE]]s, [[Polychlorinated biphenyl|PCB]]s, [[Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins|dioxins (PCDDs)]] and [[Perfluorinated compounds|PFC]]s are all polyhalogenated compounds. They are generally non-[[miscible]] in organic solvents or water, but miscible in some [[hydrocarbons]] from which they often derive.

PHCs are used in a vast array of manufactured products, from wood treatments, to cookware coatings, to non-stick, waterproof, and fire-resistant coatings, cosmetics, medicine, electronic fluids, food containers, and wrappings, in everything from [[furniture]] and furnishings, [[automobiles]], [[airplanes]], [[plastics]], [[clothing]] and cloth, surgery, insulation, adhesives, paints, sealants, lubricating oils, polyurethane foams, cancer therapy, and medical imaging. They are also heavily used in [[pest control]].