Occurrence, Distribution and Health Risk of Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) in China: A Critical Review

With being listed in the Stockholm Convention, the ban on short-chain chlorinated paraffins
(SCCPs) has been put on the agenda in China. Based on the literature over the past decade, this
study comprehensively analyzed the occurrence, distribution of and human exposure to SCCPs in
China, aiming to provide a reference for the changes in SCCPs after the ban. SCCPs were ubiquitous
in environmental matrices, and the levels were considerably higher than those in other countries.
SCCPs from the emission region were 2–4 orders of magnitude higher than those in the background
area. Environmental processes may play an important role in the SCCP profiles in the environment,
and C10 and Cl6 were identified as potential factors distinguishing their spatial distribution. River
input was the dominant source in the sea areas, and atmospheric transport was the main source in
the remote inland areas. Ingestion and dermal absorption and food intake may pose potential risk
to residents, especially for children and infants. More studies are needed on their temporal trend,
source emission and environmental degradation. The enactment of the restriction order will have a
great impact on China’s CP industry; nevertheless, it will play a positive role in the remediation of
SCCP pollution in the environment.