PCNs in Environmental and Human Exposure Studies

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are a group of 75 chlorinated naphthalenes that are structurally similar to PCBs and exhibit similar toxicity effects. PCNs enter the environment via various routes, most notably from older electronic equipment, unintentional contamination in industrial chemicals, and combustion processes such as incineration. Due to their harmful persistent organic pollutant (POP) properties and risks related to the possible continuing production, use, and releases to the environment, PCNs were added to the Stockholm Convention under Annex A (Elimination) and Annex C (Unintentional production).

While PCNs have traditionally been analyzed in environmental samples, recent studies have focused on human exposure through potential PCN contamination in the food chain. Dietary consumption is thought to be the most common route of non-occupational human exposure to PCNs. Data from current studies indicate a widespread occurrence of PCNs in food, which showcases the persistence of these contaminants.¹

CIL has a comprehensive offering of stable isotope-labeled and native individual PCN standards, as well as several multi-component mixtures covering all homolog groups from mono-octa chlorination.