Where It Comes From
Metalworking fluids, PVC and rubber, sealants, paints, and leather processing. Releases occur during manufacturing, use, and disposal; SCCPs travel long distances and accumulate in sediments and biota [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Eating contaminated food (especially fatty fish, meat, dairy), breathing or ingesting indoor dust, contact at work (skin and inhalation), and, less commonly, contaminated water near facilities [2].
Why It Matters
Persistent and bioaccumulative; causes liver, thyroid, and kidney toxicity in animals; IARC classifies certain chlorinated paraffins as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) [2][3]. EPA identifies SCCPs as PBT chemicals of concern [1].
Who Is at Risk
Metalworking and plastics workers, recyclers, people who eat a lot of predatory fish, young children (dust/hand‑to‑mouth), and communities near production or disposal sites [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose products/SDS that are SCCP‑free (look for “C10–13, chloro” or “short‑chain chlorinated paraffins”), reduce dust with wet cleaning/HEPA vacuuming, wash hands (especially kids), follow local fish advisories, and use workplace ventilation and protective gear [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Short‑Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) Action Plan Summary (2012).
- [2]WHO/IPCS. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 48: Short‑chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs).
- [3]IARC Monographs, Volume 48: Some Flame Retardants and Textile Chemicals, including Chlorinated Paraffins (Group 2B).