US EPA

2210698 

Technical Report 

Adverse Health Effects Of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons 

Reynolds, ES 

1983 

NIOSH/00150794 

Paper No 

83-6 

83-86 

Toxic effects from environmental exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons are reviewed. Examples of exposure risks in the form of vapors of relatively low molecular weight substances such as methyl-chloride (591786) and vinyl-chloride to virtually non volatile high molecular weight pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls are described. Acute injuries caused by the absorption of volatile hydrocarbons through the respiratory system are examined. The effects caused by higher molecular weight aromatic chlorinated hydrocarbons are described as chronic and move insidious while low molecular weight chlorocarbons are either readily cleared through the lungs or metabolized, the relatively inert high molecular weight chlorocarbons remain stored in body fat for long periods of time. Adverse health effects of these repositories in human adipose tissue are not readily understood. Toxification rates are cited, and the conditions that enhance the rate and cause lung injuries are examined. The steps involved in the metabolism of a specific chlorocarbon are discussed in terms of absorption rate, toxification and detoxification rates, and concentration ability. Toxic metabolites of chloroalkanes and alkenes are discussed in terms of their metabolism. Examples of free radicals, epoxides, aldehydes, acid chlorides, and other electrophilic species are provided. Five criteria used to establish whether a specific chlorinated hydrocarbon causes a specific injury are noted.