Definition
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were widely used in a range of industrial and commercial applications including electrical transformers, capacitors, and coolants, as well as in various building materials and paints.
Examples
- Electrical Transformers: PCBs were commonly utilized as a coolant oil in electrical transformers due to their excellent insulating properties.
- Capacitors: Similar to transformers, older capacitors may contain PCBs.
- Building Materials: PCBs might be found in certain old building materials such as caulking, paints, and sealants used before the 1980s.
- Hydraulic Fluids: PCBs were also historically used in hydraulic systems due to their thermal stability and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PCBs still in use today?
PCBs were banned in the United States in 1979 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). However, older equipment may still contain these chemicals.
How can PCBs impact human health?
PCBs are considered probable human carcinogens. Exposure can also affect the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.
What should I do if PCBs are found on my property?
Contact an environmental remediation company for proper disposal as PCBs are classified as hazardous waste. They need to be handled according to guidelines set by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
How are PCBs disposed of safely?
PCBs require specialized disposal methods, including high-temperature incineration and encapsulation in hazardous waste landfills. Consult with certified disposal experts to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Hazardous Waste
Materials or substances designated as dangerous by regulatory authorities due to their potential to cause significant harm to health and the environment.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
A United States law enacted in 1976 that grants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to regulate the production and disposal of chemicals to prevent unreasonable risks to health and the environment.
Online Resources
References
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs),” accessed January 15, 2021. https://www.epa.gov/pcbs
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Toxicological Profile for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs),” accessed January 15, 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts17.pdf
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson
- “Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment” by Sandra Steingraber
- “Our Stolen Future” by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peter Meyers
Real Estate Basics: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Fundamentals Quiz
### Are PCBs still legally manufactured in the United States today?
- [ ] Yes, they are still produced and used.
- [x] No, they have been banned since 1979.
- [ ] Only in limited quantities.
- [ ] They are manufactured exclusively for export.
> **Explanation:** PCBs were banned in the U.S. in 1979 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), due to their environmental persistence and health hazards.
### In which type of equipment were PCBs commonly found?
- [x] Electrical transformers and capacitors
- [ ] Car engines
- [ ] Kitchen appliances
- [ ] Personal computers
> **Explanation:** PCBs were extensively used in electrical transformers and capacitors because of their insulating properties.
### What are the main health risks associated with PCB exposure?
- [x] Cancer, immune system, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine system damage
- [ ] Increased blood sugar levels
- [ ] Better bone health
- [ ] Enhanced mental alertness
> **Explanation:** PCBs are known carcinogens and can impact various bodily systems including the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.
### How should PCBs be disposed of?
- [ ] Regular landfill disposal
- [x] High-temperature incineration or encapsulation in hazardous waste landfills
- [ ] Mixing with other chemicals
- [ ] Flushing down the sink
> **Explanation:** Due to their toxic nature, PCBs require specialized disposal methods like high-temperature incineration or encapsulation in hazardous waste landfills to prevent environmental contamination.
### Which U.S. law regulates PCBs?
- [x] Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- [ ] Clean Air Act
- [ ] Federal Water Pollution Control Act
- [ ] Endangered Species Act
> **Explanation:** The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted to control the production, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals such as PCBs.
### Can PCBs still be found in some older building materials?
- [x] Yes, in caulking, paints, and sealants
- [ ] No, they were never used in buildings
- [ ] Only in roofing materials
- [ ] Exclusively in flooring
> **Explanation:** PCBs can still be present in older building materials such as caulking, paints, and sealants used before their ban in 1979.
### What property best characterizes PCBs?
- [ ] Flammability
- [x] Chemical stability
- [ ] High water solubility
- [ ] Rapid degradation in the environment
> **Explanation:** PCBs are known for their chemical stability, which contributed to their widespread use and environmental persistence.
### When disposing of equipment containing PCBs, who should be contacted?
- [ ] Local fire department
- [x] Environmental remediation company
- [ ] Electrical utilities company
- [ ] Real estate agent
> **Explanation:** Dispose of equipment containing PCBs through a certified environmental remediation company, as they specialize in dealing with hazardous waste.
### What does PCB stand for?
- [ ] Polycarbonate Bipipherals
- [ ] Polymer Contained Bismuths
- [x] Polychlorinated Biphenyls
- [ ] Polycarbonate Bromides
> **Explanation:** PCB stands for Polychlorinated Biphenyls, which are a group of manufactured organic chemicals.
### Why are PCBs particularly concerning for long-term environmental health?
- [x] They are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic
- [ ] They immediately evaporate into the atmosphere
- [ ] They increase plant growth
- [ ] They neutralize other pollutants
> **Explanation:** Due to their persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and toxicity, PCBs pose a long-term threat to environmental and human health.
