Polyhalogenated compound: Difference between revisions

{{RefimproveRef improve|date=February 2009}}

A '''Polyhalogenatedpolyhalogenated compoundscompound''' ('''PHC's'') areis any compoundscompound with multiple substitutions of halogens[[halogen]]s. They are of particular interest and importance because [[halogens]] generally are highly reactive and alsothey [[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, [[DioxinsPolychlorinated 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.

PHC'sPHCs 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]].

PHC'sPHCs include notoriously dangerous substances, including [[Agent Orange]], [[DDT]], and other [[pesticides]]. Many non-pesticide PHC'sPHCs have the same safety issues as pesticides.

* Polycholorinated, e.g. [[Polychlorinated biphenyl|PCB]]'s, [[Dioxinspolychlorinated dibenzodioxins|dioxins]] (PCDDs), [[Hexachlorophenehexachlorophene]], [[Dibenzofuransdibenzofurans]] (PCDFs), [[polychloro phenoxy phenol]]s (PCPPs), [[polychlorinated diphenyl ethers]] (PCDEs).

* Polybrominated, e.g., [[PBDE]]'s, [[polybrominated biphenyls]] (PBBs).

* [[PerflourinatedPerfluorinated compounds]]

* Polyiodinated compounds

[[Category:Persistent organic pollutantsOrganohalides]]