Aliphatic hydrocarbons human health

Stoddard solvent is a petroleum distillate mixture of C7-C12 hydrocarbons, approximately 80-90% aliphatics (30-50% linear and branched alkanes, and 30-40% cyclic alkanes) and 10-20% aromatics (not PAHs). It is similar to white spirits, which is also included in the toxicological profile on Stoddard solvent (ATSDR 1995b). For additional detail, see Section 3.2 and Table E-2.b. Data regarding the health effects of Stoddard solvent in either humans or animals are limited and were judged inadequate for MRL development. Upper respiratory irritant effects were seen in animals exposed by inhalation for acute and intermediate durations these appear to be the most sensitive effects by the inhalation route. Male rat nephropathy has been reported in intermediate inhalation studies, but is not considered relevant to human health. No oral studies were located. Information on the potential carcinogenicity of Stoddard solvent is inadequate. 

Chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) refer to the substitution of one or more hydrogen in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives by chlorine. COCs are widely used in the fields of chemistry, medicine, electronics, pesticides, etc. Many COCs are endocrine disturbance substances, show carcinogenic effects, and have been listed as priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). When released into the environment, COCs are transported in both air and water. However, COCs are chemically stable and difficult to destroy, and they are eventually deposited in soils and sediments due to their hydrophobic-ity. Soils and sediments contaminated with COCs are long-term sources of pollutants and pose great threats to human health and ecosystems. Therefore, remediation of these contaminated soils and sediments is of great importance. 

Smoking is a slow process and it is not easy to control the process. Smoke contains phenolic compounds, adds, and carbonyls and smoke flavor is primarily due to the volatile phenolic compound [10,20,34]. Wood smoke is extranely complex and more than 400 volatiles have been identified [43]. Guillen and Manzanos [26] identified around 140 compounds in liquid smoke prepared from Thymus vulgaris wood. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are ubiquitous in the environment as pyrolysis products of organic matter. Their concentrations in smoked food can reach levels hazardous for human health, especially when the smoking procedure is carried out under uncontrolled conditions [46]. Wood smoke contains nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, furans, carbonylic compounds, aliphatic carboxylic acids, tar compounds, carbohydrates. 

In this example the aliphatic fraction contributed more to the total hydrocarbon concentration than did the aromatic fi-action. When remedial action is performed based on RBCA on a contaminated area, the aromatic fraction, which is considered to pose the greatest threat, because of mobility and toxicity, will weigh heaviest in determining the extent of cleanup that is necessary. Usually hydrocarbons beyond C35 are ignored in RBCA, because their lack of volatility and mobility in the environment makes them a lower risk to human and animal health. In this example the carbon ranges overlap because of the different reporting requirements of the different state agencies. 

Petroleum hydrocarbons contain a wide range of substances that are potential health hazards. These include aliphatic compounds, monocyclic aromatics, polycyclic aromatics, and heavy metals. Most petroleum products have an objectionable taste and odor well below the level that might induce chronic toxicity in humans. Thus, the most frequently reported symptoms of exposure are relatively mild and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

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