Progress in the studies associated with environmental distribution and characterization of polychlorinated naphthalenes

Due to the structural similarity to dioxins, polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) exhibit toxicological properties similar to dioxins. Studies have suggested that the dioxin-like activity of PCNs was comparable with that of dioxins in some locations. PCNs have attracted increasing attention because of their potential adverse effects on the global environment and human health. This review focuses on main sources and environmental behavior of PCNs, especially the unintentionally produced PCNs during industrial processes. The contamination levels and distribution of PCNs in global environmental matrices were summarized. The progress in the studies associated with the environmental level and characteristics of PCNs in China were also evaluated. Finally, the challenges of PCNs related studies were discussed.