This report reviews the potential environmental hazard from the commercial use of haloether compounds. The fluorinated anesthetic ethers, methoxyfurane (2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethyl methyl ether) and fluroxene (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl vinyl ether), are only peripherally treated. Major focus is on the alpha-chloroethers, bis(chloromethyl)-ether and chloromethyl methyl ether, and the beta-chloroethers, bis(2-chloroisopropyl)-ether, bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, and bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane. The alpha-chloroethers are used as chemical intermediates for production of ion exchange resins while the beta-chloroethers are used mostly for solvents but have some chemical intermediate uses. Specific topics discussed include the following: Physical and chemical data; Environmental exposure factors - (Production and consumption, uses, environmental contamination potential, current handling practices and control technology, monitoring and analysis); Health and environmental effects - (environmental effect, biology, toxicity - humans, toxicity - birds and mammals, toxicity - invertebrates, phytotoxicity, toxicity - microorganisms); Regulations and standards - (current regulations, concensus and similar standards); summary and conclusions.

Sponsored by the Office of Toxic Substances, Environmental Protection Agency. Final report. Report no. EPA 560/2-75-006; contract no. EPA 68-01-2996. PB 246 356. Includes bibliographical references (pages 157-168).