Where It Comes From
Legacy uses (insulating varnishes, cable insulation, wood preservatives) and by-products of incineration and other combustion; persists in soil/sediment and bioaccumulates [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating contaminated fish, meat, or dairy; breathing or ingesting dust near incinerators or hazardous sites; contact during demolition/recycling of old coated materials; workplace exposure in waste, metal, or electrical sectors [1][2].
Why It Matters
Can cause skin lesions (chloracne) and liver and thyroid effects; crosses the placenta and enters breast milk; animal studies show developmental impacts and liver tumors, while human cancer evidence is limited [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling old electrical equipment/varnished wood, waste‑incineration and recycling workers; people who eat a lot of contaminated fish; pregnant or breastfeeding people and infants [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Follow fish advisories; trim fat from meats and choose low‑fat dairy; reduce household dust (wet‑wipe, HEPA vacuum); avoid burning trash; use PPE and good hygiene/ventilation during renovation or at work [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. DHHS.
- [2]WHO/IPCS. Polychlorinated Naphthalenes. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 34, World Health Organization.