ABSTRACT
Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are persistent toxic substances with similar toxicity to that of notorious dioxins. PCNs are chemicals regulated by the Stockholm Convention. Here, PCN sources including previous production such as Halowax, impurities in polychlorinated biphenyl products and unintentional formation and releases during industrial activities were summarized. Many industrial activities such as chlor-alkali in history have led to serious surrounding soil pollution of PCNs. Moreover, the pollution levels of PCNs in soil and other environmental matrices have been discussed. Environmental pollution of PCNs could cause human exposure. In addition, food consumption is an important pathway of human exposure to PCNs. This chapter further reviews PCNs levels in food and their homolog profile, which is important for understanding environmental and human burdens of PCNs.
