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Overview

Furans (short form for (poly)chlorinated dibenzofurans) are produced unintentionally from many of the same processes that produce dioxins, and also during the production of PCBs. They have been detected in emissions from waste incinerators and automobiles. Furans are structurally similar to dioxins and share many of their toxic effects. There are 135 different types, and their toxicity varies. Furans persist in the environment for long periods, and are classified as possible human carcinogens. Food, particularly animal products, is the major source of exposure for humans. Furans have also been detected in breast-fed infants.

Chemical description

Chlorinated dibenzofurans are a class of organic compounds in which one to eight chlorine atoms are attached to the benzene ring positions of a dibenzofuran structure. General chemical structure of PCDFs, where 2 ≤ n+m ≤ 8

Sources

Routes of exposure and Metabolism

Health Effects

Environmental Health Effects

Regulation

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