Abstract |
The manufacture of halogenated organic chemicals results in the formation of small amounts of undesirable side reaction by-products. These contaminants may be contained in the product chemical, separated into a processing step residue, or lost to the air or wastewater as a pollutant. For several years attention has been focused on one member of the dioxin family, namely 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). In the report, a brief review of important chlorinated organic chemicals associated with dioxin and furan contamination is followed by an extensive discussion of brominated organic chemical manufacturing. Potential for dioxin and furan contamination is predicted and available information on actual product analysis is presented. The results of the study may be used to identify sources of dioxins and furans and to develop methods to eliminate, reduce or isolate the occurrence of these toxic artifacts. |