Sublethal physiological effects of chlorinated paraffins on the flounder, Platichthys flesus L.

Exposure of flounder, Platichthys flesus L., to two different chlorinated paraffin preparations, Witachlor 149 and Hülz 70C, caused sublethal effects on hematology and intermediary metabolism, together with changed activities in xenobiotic and steroid metabolizing enzymes, especially in female fish. The changes observed must be considered important and urge for further studies as the chlorinated paraffins are used in steadily increasing amounts and constitute a possible ecological threat.