ABSTRACT
Industrial solvents are economically important chemicals, and chlorinated (or more generally, halogenated) hydrocarbons have properties that make them useful as solvents. Some, however, can cause some severe environmental problems and health hazards. Many of these compounds are hazardous or toxic either directly or indirectly (after transformation). Among the problems cited are the formation of dioxins, which are extremely toxic and can form when waste containing chlorinated hydrocarbons is incinerated. Another example is the effect of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer. Still other examples are persistent and bioaccumulating chemicals, such as DDT and PCB. Policymaking in this area is difficult because genuine environmental, chemical, and medical uncertainties are considerable. This paper compares policy responses in various European countries: trichloroethylene (TCE) and several similar solvents were banned in Sweden, heavily taxed in Norway and Denmark, and subjected to strict regulation in Germany.
