Polyhalogenated compounds (PHC's) are any compounds with multiple substitutions of halogens. They are of particular interest and importance because halogens generally do not react and therefore bioaccumulate in humans, and comprise a superset of which has many toxic and carcinogenic industrial chemicals as members. PBDE's, PCB's, and PFC's are all members of this group. They are generally non-miscible in organic solvents or water, but miscible in some hydrocarbons.
Despite bioaccumulating in humans, patents have been filed for removal of halogen by electrolysis[1] during manufacturing, though toxic chlorinated compounds may be created as byproducts of chlorinated compounds. Another method during manufacture is to use anaerobic bacteria[2]