Research / Research Highlights

Unexpected Detection of a Persistent and Toxic Pollutant

Submitter

Browne, Eleanor — University of Colorado Boulder

Area of Research

Aerosol Processes

Journal Reference

Katz D, B Dobson, M Alton, H Stark, D Worsnop, M Canagaratna, and E Browne. 2025. "Real-Time Measurements of Gas-Phase Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins Reveal Daily Changes in Gas-Particle Partitioning Controlled by Ambient Temperature." ACS Environmental Au, 5(4), 10.1021/acsenvironau.5c00038.

Science

Medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) are toxic compounds that can undergo long-range transport via the atmosphere. Measuring their atmospheric abundances is challenging because of the large number of similar compounds that make up this chemical class.

Impact

This work reports the first detection of these compounds in the air in North America, providing insight into how the compounds move through the environment. The work also showcases the need for further research to identify the sources of these compounds in order to understand the potential for human exposure.

Summary

MCCPs are used in a variety of industrial processes and products and can inadvertently enter the environment during use or following the disposal of these products. Due to their toxic nature, it is important to understand how these compounds are transported through the environment as this will influence exposure pathways. This work found that these compounds are present in the atmosphere. Furthermore, these compounds likely exist both as a gaseous species and as small, suspended particles (aerosols) in the atmosphere. This gas-particle partitioning is important for understanding how far different MCCPs can be transported. The detection of MCCPs in a rural, agricultural environment was unexpected. Future research into the sources of these compounds as well as their spatial distribution is required to better understand potential risks.