State-of-the-art review: PCDDs ad PCDFs in utility PCB fluid. Final report. [196 references]
An extensive literature search was conducted into the chemical, environmental, toxicological, and analytical properties of chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans, particularly as these relate to polychlorianted biphenyl (PCB) fluids. The literature search plus consultations with the leading international researchers in the field was used to prepare a timely state-of-the-art compilation of knowledge and theory on these important compounds. The chemistry of these compounds suggests that while chlorinated dibenzofurans can form directly from PCBs, chlorinated dioxins cannot. Both, however, can be formed from chlorophenols or chlorinated benzenes. Formation within electrical equipment PCBs under normal operating conditions is not likely. There has been little research conducted into degradation techniques. Some chemical degradation techniques and photolysis show promise. These compounds are extremely persistent in the environment, especially if protected from the sun. They are immobile in soil and sediment and do not biomagnify to any great extent. On a molecular basis, 2,3,7,8-TCDD is one of the most toxic synthetic molecules known to man, although its toxicological effects in man are still not well understood. Chemical analysis of dioxins and dibenzofurans is still a developing science. All analytical methods rely on some form of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. A further development which shows some promise as a rapid screening test is enzyme bioassay. 196 references, 11 figures, 20 tables.
- Research Organization:
- SCS Engineers, Inc., Long Beach, CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5233652
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-CS-3308; ON: DE84920197
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AROMATICS
BENZOFURANS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
DECOMPOSITION
DIOXIN
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
FURANS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION
INSULATING OILS
NUMERICAL DATA
OILS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REVIEWS
TOXICITY