Polyhalogenated compounds (PHCs) are any compounds with multiple substitutions of
halogens. They are of particular interest and importance because halogens generally are highly reactive and also
bioaccumulate in humans, and comprise a superset of which has many toxic and carcinogenic industrial chemicals as members.
PBDEs,
PCBs,
dioxins (PCDDs) and
PFCs are all polyhalogenated compounds. They are generally non-miscible in organic solvents or water, but miscible in some
hydrocarbons from which they often derive.