Chlorinated paraffins
Encyclopedia
Chlorinated paraffins are a complex mixture of polychlorinated n-alkanes
and were introduced in the 1930s. The chlorination degree of CPs can vary between 30 and 70%. CPs are subdivided according to their carbon chain length into short chain CPs (SCCPs, C10-13), medium chain CPs (MCCPs, C14-17) and long chain CPs (LCCPs, C>17). Currently, over 200 CP formulations are in use for a wide range of industrial applications, such as flame retardant
s and plasticisers, as additives in metal working fluids, in sealants, paints and coatings and as a solvent for Dichloramine T (germicide).
SCCPs are classified as persistent and their physical properties (logKOW 4.4–8, depending on the chlorination degree) imply a high potential for bioaccumulation
. Furthermore, CPs are classified as toxic to aquatic organisms, and carcinogenic to rats and mice. SCCPs was categorised in group 2B as possibly carcinogenic to humans from the International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC). A global ban on SCCPs is being considered under the Stockholm Convention
POPs convention.
Alkane
Alkanes are chemical compounds that consist only of hydrogen and carbon atoms and are bonded exclusively by single bonds without any cycles...
and were introduced in the 1930s. The chlorination degree of CPs can vary between 30 and 70%. CPs are subdivided according to their carbon chain length into short chain CPs (SCCPs, C10-13), medium chain CPs (MCCPs, C14-17) and long chain CPs (LCCPs, C>17). Currently, over 200 CP formulations are in use for a wide range of industrial applications, such as flame retardant
Flame retardant
Flame retardants are chemicals used in thermoplastics, thermosets, textiles and coatings that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. These can be separated into several different classes of chemicals:...
s and plasticisers, as additives in metal working fluids, in sealants, paints and coatings and as a solvent for Dichloramine T (germicide).
SCCPs are classified as persistent and their physical properties (logKOW 4.4–8, depending on the chlorination degree) imply a high potential for bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other organic chemicals in an organism. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost...
. Furthermore, CPs are classified as toxic to aquatic organisms, and carcinogenic to rats and mice. SCCPs was categorised in group 2B as possibly carcinogenic to humans from the International Agency for Research on Cancer
International Agency for Research on Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer is an intergovernmental agency forming part of the World Health Organisation of the United Nations....
(IARC). A global ban on SCCPs is being considered under the Stockholm Convention
Stockholm Convention
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004, that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants .- History :...
POPs convention.