Description
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of manmade chemicals. They are oily liquids or solids, clear to yellow, with no smell or taste. PCBs are very stable mixtures that are resistant to extreme temperature and pressure. PCBs were used widely in electrical equipment like capacitors and transformers.
Uses
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications, including:
Electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment;
Plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; Pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper;
Other industrial applications.
Health Hazard
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are one of the most widely studied environmental contaminants, and many studies in animals and human populations have been performed to assess the potential carcinogenicity of PCBs. PCBs are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as congeners or chlorinated hydrocarbons), which are no longer produced in the United States but are still found in the environment. Exposure to PCBs includes acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immune alterations in children. PCBs are carcinogenic to animals and have been found in at least 500 of the 1598 National Priorities List sites identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PCBs (US trade name Aroclor) have no known natural sources, are either oily liquids or solids that are colorless to light yellow, and can exist as a vapor in the air. PCBs typically do not exhibit any smell or taste.
