Chlorinated Paraffins in Global Air: First Results from the GAPS and GAPS-Megacities Networks

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study presents the first global data set of measured chlorinated paraffins (CPs), including short-chain (SCCPs), medium-chain (MCCPs), and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) in ambient air, derived from a single coordinated sampling network, i.e., the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling (GAPS) network, using a passive sampling approach. Concentrations exhibited pronounced regional disparities, with the combined levels in two megacities─Lagos, Nigeria (512,000 pg/m 3 ) and Beijing, China (258,000 pg/m 3 ) exceeding by more than 1.5-fold the combined total levels observed across the rest of the world (∼459,000 pg/m 3 ). Evidence of long-range atmospheric transport was observed at remote sites in western Canada (Little Fox Lake and Whistler), influenced by trans-Pacific air trajectories during the sampling period. These findings underscore the substantial global heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of CPs and the heavily disproportionate contributions of a few regions. Notably, the major producers/emitters, such as China, had several years of delay in ratifying the SCCP listing under the Stockholm Convention (Annex A, elimination since 2017 for congeners with > 48% chlorine content), and some countries have yet to ratify. Without the timely implementation of regulatory measures in these jurisdictions, global concentrations are expected to remain stagnant or even increase if emissions persist at current levels. These results further suggest that substantial time lags are likely before measurable declines in SCCP concentrations, and potentially in recently listed MCCPs, are observed even in regions where control measures are already in place. Hence, this global data set serves as a baseline for future assessments of temporal and spatial trends.

Source: ACS ES&T Air

DOI: 10.1021/acsestair.5c00350

Institutions: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Beijing Normal University, National Measurement Institute, Lancaster University, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Química Orgánica General, University of Chile, Eskisehir Technical University, King Saud University, Medical University of Lodz, Korean Association Of Science and Technology Studies, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, National University of Mar del Plata, Institute of Marine and Coastal Research, CETESB - Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, University of Pretoria, University of Lagos, Energy and Resources Institute, India Habitat Centre, American University in Cairo, The Graduate Center, CUNY, City College of New York, City University of New York, Peking University

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: City University of New York, University of Pretoria, King Saud University, Beijing Normal University, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Uniwersytet Łódzki, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad de Chile, Peking University, Environment and Climate Change Canada, American University in Cairo, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Northern Contaminants Program

Awards: G1408442566, G2256575814, G7943141133

OpenAlex ID: W7118182768