Chlorinated Paraffins

• Background
• Chlorinated Paraffin Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin
• Cleanup and Management of Chlorinated Paraffins in Wisconsin

Background

Synonyms: Chlorinated alkanes; chlorinated hydrocarbon waxes; chlorinated paraffin waxes; chlorinated waxes; chloroalkanes; chlorocarbons; chloroparaffin waxes; paraffin, chlorinated; paraffins, chloro; paraffin waxes, chlorinated; paroils, chlorinated; poly- chlorinated alkanes; polychloro alkanes.

Sources and Uses: Chlorinated paraffins are not known to occur naturally. They are produced by reacting liquid paraffin fractions with pure chlorine gas. The reaction may require the use of a solvent, and often ultraviolet light is used as a catalyst. Chlorinated paraffins are used around the world in widespread applications such as plasticizers in plastics (e.g., PVC), extreme pressure additives in metal working fluids, flame retardants and additives in paints.

Health Effects: In spite of the widespread use of chlorinated paraffins, there are no case reports of skin irritation or sensitization. Data on other effects of chlorinated paraffins in humans have not been identified.

Ecological Effects: The widespread uses of chlorinated paraffins probably provide the major source of environmental contamination. Chlorinated paraffins may be released into the environment from improperly disposed metal-working fluids containing chlorinated paraffins or from polymers containing chlorinated paraffins. Loss of chlorinated paraffins by leaching from paints and coatings may also contribute to environmental contamination. Available data indicate that chlorinated paraffins are bioaccumulative and persistent. The data on environmental levels of short chain chlorinated paraffins indicate that in areas close to release sources there is a risk to both freshwater and estuarine organisms. There is also a potential risk to aquatic invertebrates from intermediate and long chain chlorinated paraffin products. Results of several studies indicate that short chain chlorinated paraffins do not induce skin sensitization. In repeated dose toxicity studies by the oral route, the liver, kidney and thyroid are the primary target organs for the toxicity of the chlorinated paraffins.

EPA Substance Registry Information:The registry lists 9 different substances containing the word "chlorinated paraffin." SRS for chlorinated parrafins - US EPA (exit DNR).

Chlorinated Paraffin Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin

Source Monitoring and Reporting

• TRI data for Wisconsin facilities reporting releases can be retrieved at EPA’s TRI Explorer (exit DNR)

Cleanup and Management of Chlorinated Paraffins in Wisconsin

Air Management

• Chlorinated paraffins are considered a hazardous air pollutant (NR 445 Wisc. Adm. Code) that is regulated under Wisconsin’s Air Management Program.

Remediation and Redevelopment

• The DNR’s RR program assists Responsible Parties with site investigation and clean up of any "hazardous substance" releases in Wisconsin. This would include releases containing short chain chlorinated paraffins that contaminate soil or groundwater. RR program guidance on investigations and clean ups can be found at the RR program web site.

Waste Management

• Solid waste containing Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins contaminated materials are regulated in Wisconsin as solid wastes Waste Management program guidance on can be found at the WA program web site.