PCBs
PCBs are non-polar and are insoluble in water. PCBs are transferred into aquatic environments on the surfaces of particulates typically.[i]
Dioxin – similar to PCBs chemically, but not intentionally manufactured like PCBs. Dioxin is typically the result of waste incineration, pulp and paper bleaching, and the production of chlorinated aromatics such as pesticides.[ii] A common dioxin is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD).[iii]
In humans, PCBs can cause skin changes, thymus gland problems, immune deficiencies, reproductive and nervous system difficulties and increase the risk of cancer.[iv]
PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals, in addition to serious effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects.[v] The most carcinogenic components of PCB mixtures tend to bioaccumulate in fish and other animals and bind to sediments.[vi]
Freshwater – Aquatic Organisms
Saltwater– Aquatic Organisms
Human Health for the consumption of
Acute (µg/L)
Chronic (µg/L)
Water + Organism (µg/L)
Organism Only (µg/L)
na
0.014
0.03
0.000064
PCBs describe a broad range of man-made chemicals used for hundreds of industrial and commercial products. Due to its extreme toxicity to humans, it has been banned in the U.S. for production since 1979. It was primarily used in electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment and had varying appearances from thin, light colored liquids to black waxy solids.[viii]
PCBs are released into the environment by the improper handling and disposal of wastes containing PCBs. Because PCBs are highly insoluble in water, they are typically associated with solid particulate matter. Contaminated soils and debris can then be transferred into aquatic and terrestrial environments through surface water flows.[ix] Bioaccumulation also plays a transport mechanism within the food-chain.
Materials suspect of containing PCBs should be disposed of at hazardous waste facilities. Transformers, capacitors, voltage regulators, oil-filled motors and hydraulic systems, cable insulation, and fluorescent light ballasts are common items containing PCBs.[x]
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[i] N. K. Nagpal, British Columbia Ministry of the Env’t, Water quality criteria for
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): forms and transformations in the environment (1992) available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/BCguidelines/pcbs/pcbs-02.htm.
[ii] U.S. EPA, Dioxins and Furans, http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/dioxins.htm (last visited Aug. 5, 2010).
[iii] U.S. EPA, Dioxins and Furans, http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/dioxins.htm (last visited Aug. 5, 2010).
[iv] U.S. EPA, List of Contaminants and Their MCLs, http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html
[v] U.S. EPA, Health Effects of PCBs http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/effects.htm (last visited Aug. 5, 2010).
[vi] U.S. EPA, Health Effects of PCBs http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/effects.htm (last visited Aug. 5, 2010).
[vii] U.S. EPA, National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/wqctable/index.html#U (last visited July 7, 2010).
[viii] U.S. EPA, Basic Information - Polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/about.htm (last visited Aug. 5, 2010).
[ix] N. K. Nagpal, British Columbia Ministry of the Env’t, Water quality criteria for
[x] U.S. EPA, Basic Information - Polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/about.htm (last visited Aug. 5, 2010).