Toxicity of Chlorinated Organic Compounds: Effects of the Introduction of Chlorine in Organic Molecules

Abstract

Abstract Industrial “chlorine chemistry” is accused of polluting the environment with its products and having adverse effects on health. The accusation has been followed by the demand that this ill‐defined branch of chemistry be simply abolished, a demand which has been repeated vigorously now for years. It grew out of misgivings such as those summarized here: 1. A number of polychlorinated cyclic compounds are very stable and highly lipophilic so that they accumulate in the environment and affect mankind through the food chain. Prominent examples are chlorinated pesticides, biphenyls, dibenzodioxins, and dibenzofurans. 2. Many chlorinated compounds are toxic for man and animals. Their genotoxicity (mutagenicity and carcinogenicity) plays a role in risk assessment; more and more chlorinated organic compounds are being shown to be carcinogenic and classified accordingly. To date there are no comprehensive reviews of the toxicology of chlorinated organic compounds. The present treatise is the result of an attempt to analyze the situation systematically. It makes generalizations as to the kind and degree of toxicity of the most important classes of chlorinated organic compounds and elaborates recommendations for reduction and avoidance of risk during production, occupational handling, and general use.