Overview
Chlorinated paraffins are chlorinated chains of carbon used as flame retardants and plasticisers. They turn up in metalworking fluids, sealants, paints and rubber. The regulatory picture splits by chain length. Short-chain types carry the strictest controls while medium-chain types are a step behind.
Short-chain versus medium-chain
Carbon chains of C10 to C13, CAS 85535-84-8. These are persistent organic pollutants under the Stockholm Convention and the EU POP Regulation, and they are also a substance of very high concern.
Carbon chains of C14 to C17, CAS 85535-85-9. These sit on the REACH Candidate List, which brings declaration duties but not yet an outright ban.
Typical uses
The main jobs are flame retardancy and plasticising. Metalworking fluids use them as extreme-pressure additives, and they soften plastics, rubber and sealants. As the short-chain grade was restricted, much of the market shifted toward medium-chain and longer products.
Chain length decides the rule. A product specified as chlorinated paraffin should state whether it is short-chain or medium-chain, because the obligations differ sharply.
Note: general educational information, not legal advice. Check the official source before relying on it.