Halogenated hydrocarbons toxicity

Berger ML, Sozeri T. 1987. Rapid halogenated hydrocarbon toxicity in isolated hepatocytes as mediated by direct solvent effects. Toxicology 45 319-330. 

Hjelle J. 1990. Halogenated hydrocarbon toxicity in proximal tubules (human, rabbits). Crisp Data Base National Institutes of Health. 

Combustion in an incinerator is the only practical way to deal with many waste streams.This is particularly true of solid and concentrated wastes and toxic wastes such as those containing halogenated hydrocarbons, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Many of the toxic substances encountered resist biological degradation and persist in the natural environment for a long period of time. Unless they are in dilute aqueous solution, the most effective treatment is usually incineration. 

Halogenated hydrocarbons depress cardiac contractility, decrease heart rate, and inhibit conductivity in the cardiac conducting system. The cardiac-toxicity of these compounds is related to the number of halogen atoms it increases first as the number of halogen atoms increases, but decreases after achieving the maximum toxicity when four halogen atoms are present. Some of these compounds, e.g., chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and trichloroethylene, sensitize the heart to catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and thus increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia. 

Compounds that Cause Kidney Damage Several drugs and some anesthetic compounds such as methoxyflurane cause kidney damage when present at high doses. Kidney-toxic compounds found in occupational environments include mycotoxins, halogenated hydrocarbons, several metals, and solvents (see Table 5.16). 

Hutchinson TC, Hellebust JA, Tam D et al. 1980. The correlation of the toxicity to algae of hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons with their physical-chemical properties. In Afghan BK, MacDay D, eds. Hydrocarbons and Halogenated Hydrocarbons in the Aquatic Environment. New York Plenum Press, 577-586. 

Because the halogenated hydrocarbons that have to be used for this are both toxic and expensive, the use of balanced density slurries for packing columns is declining. 

Tillitt, D.E., J.P. Giesy, and G.T. Ankley. 1991. Characterization of the H4IIE rat hepatoma cell bioassay as a tool for assessing toxic potency of planar halogenated hydrocarbons in environmental samples. Environ. Sci. Technol. 25 87-92. 

The halogenated hydrocarbons are generally of low acute toxicity, but several are associated with anesthetic effects and cardiac sensitization. Cardiac sensitization to halogenated alkanes appears related to the number of chlorine or fluorine substitutions. Halogenated alkanes in which >75% of the... 

Humans exposed at high concentrations of some halogenated hydrocarbons can develop cardiac arrhythmias. The cardiac sensitization test in dogs is considered an effective determination of potential cardiac sensitization in humans. Cardiotoxicity was observed at concentrations well below those associated with any acute toxic signs but only in the presence of greater-than-physiological doses of exogenous epinephrine. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone (summer smog). Certain halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. CFCs) also destroy the stratospheric ozone layer. Chlorinated solvents are hazardous to water and, if disposed of incorrectly (e.g. burning), may emit highly toxic substances (e.g. dioxins). 

Because 1,4-dichlorobenzene is a liver toxin, it probably can interact with other chemicals that are liver toxicants. These toxicants are many, and include ethanol, halogenated hydrocarbons (chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, etc ), benzene, and other haloalkanes and haloalkenes. In addition, 1,4-dichlorobenzene toxicity may also be exacerbated by concurrent exposure with acetaminophen, heavy metals (copper, iron, arsenic), aflatoxins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (from some types of plants), high levels of vitamin A, and hepatitis viruses. Such interactions could either be additive or S5mergistic effects. 

Clark DG, Tinston DJ Acute inhalation toxicity of some halogenated and non-halogenated hydrocarbons. Hum Toxicol 1 2 39-247, 1982... 

Most of the toxic and environmentally unwanted chemicals a decade ago have been eliminated from the common workplace. This includes halogenated hydrocarbons, such as... 

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