organochlorines

The term organochlorine refers to a wide range of chemicals that contain carbon, chlorine and, sometimes, several other elements. A range of organochlorine compounds have been produced including many herbicides, insecticides, fungicides as well as industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The compounds are characteristically stable, fat-soluble and bioaccumulate. Organochlorines pose a range of adverse human health risks and some are carcinogens.