Comparative electrochemical treatments of two chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Time course of the main reaction by-products.

The chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons conjugate toxicity with high chemical stability, bioaccumulation and long-range diffusivity. Chloroethanes are particularly ubiquitous in the industry and in household products, and their entry to the environment may entail potential risks for the living beings. At present, the US Environmental Protection Agency is carrying out the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), where 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TCA) are considered as priorities for their potential effects on the endocrine system. DCA is also found in the list of priority substances drawn up by the European Commission. To avoid the release of chloroethanes int…