Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons: a hidden threat in the fields of environment and health

Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons（Volatile Halohydrocarbons，VHHs）As a type of organic pollutant widely present in the environment, it has long been highly concerned by the scientific community and environmental regulatory authorities due to its high volatility, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. These compounds are usually formed by covalent bonding between carbon, hydrogen elements and halogen atoms such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine. They have diverse structures and are widely used in industrial solvents, refrigerants, disinfectants, and chemical raw material synthesis.

With the acceleration of global industrialization and urbanization, the use and emissions of volatile halogenated hydrocarbons have sharply increased. They can enter the atmosphere, water bodies, and soil environment through industrial waste gas emissions, sewage leaks, waste incineration, and other pathways, forming a complex multi-media pollution network. Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons in the atmosphere not only participate in the formation of photochemical smog, affecting regional air quality, but also destroy the ozone layer in the stratosphere, exacerbating global climate change; Halogenated hydrocarbons in water and soil can be transmitted through bioaccumulation in the food chain, ultimately posing a threat to human health. Some typical volatile halogenated hydrocarbons, such as carbon tetrachloride and vinyl chloride, have been identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer（IARC）Listed as carcinogens or suspected carcinogens, long-term exposure may cause liver and kidney damage, and even trigger genetic mutations and cancer.

The detection method for volatile halogenated hydrocarbons in fixed pollution source exhaust gas is mainly based on gas chromatography technology. The following are the core detection process and key points (taking HJ 1006-2018 standard as an example)