On the chemistry of EDC-tar and its biological significance in the sea

Abstract

Abstract The composition of EDC-tars originating as waste products in two different processes of vinyl chloride production has been studied. In total, 80 substances have been detected. Most of the chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons identified were found to contain one or two double bonds. 15 out of the 80 substances are aromatics, and most of these are chlorinated as well. Possible chemical or biological conversions of EDC-tar components in the marine environment are discussed. Data on acute toxicity of the EDC-tar to coastal water phytoplankton and some marine animals are given. It is shown that EDC-tar in concentrations as low as 10-100/109 may cause acute biological effects. In the light of the chemical data presented and recent medical reports on serious diseases in workers employed in vinyl chloride production plants, the possibility of similar long term effects in marine animals is briefly discussed.