Where It Comes From
Chemical manufacturing (as an intermediate), legacy uses in insulating materials and wood preservatives, and by-products of waste incineration and open burning [1][2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing workplace air, living near incinerators or contaminated sites, eating contaminated fish or fatty foods, or contact with dust from old electrical equipment/materials [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
High short-term exposure can cause acne-like skin eruptions and eye/airway irritation; repeated exposure has been linked to liver damage and thyroid/immune changes; animal studies show developmental effects [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in chemical manufacturing, e-waste recycling, waste incineration, or servicing old equipment; people near contaminated sites; those who eat a lot of locally caught fish where advisories exist [1][2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use workplace controls (ventilation, PPE, hygiene), avoid disturbing old insulating materials, wet-wipe/HEPA-vacuum dust, follow local fish advisories, and heed local guidance near incinerators or cleanup sites [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile/ToxFAQs: Chlorinated Naphthalenes. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]WHO/IPCS. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 34: Chlorinated Naphthalenes. World Health Organization.
- [3]U.S. EPA. Chlorinated Naphthalenes Hazard Summary. Technology Transfer Network Air Toxics.