PCBs

Polychlorinated Biphenyls

If you live or work near sites where PCB oils have been used or stored (such as power generation stations or transformer storage sites) you may be exposed to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) called PCBs and not even know it. PCBs have demonstrated effects such as cancer in animals and other negative effects on the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems.
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What are Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)?

If you live or work near sites where PCB oils have been used or stored (such as power generation stations or transformer storage sites) you may be exposed to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) called PCBs and not even know it. PCBs have demonstrated effects such as cancer in animals and other negative effects on the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems.

Why Protect Yourself from PCBs?

They’ve made their way into our rivers, air, and soil, contaminating wildlife, our drinking water and even places we visit regularly.   Short-term exposure to PCBs can irritate the eyes or cause skin conditions. Over an extended period of time, high levels of PCBs can cause:

  • Respiratory tract symptoms
  • Developmental issues
  • Liver and gastrointestinal complications
  • Neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children
  • Reduced fertility in women
  • Miscarriage
  • Reduced birth weights of babies exposed as fetuses
  • Cancer

Danger lurks where you least expect it

Understanding the dangers of PCBs

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made organic chemicals that were manufactured from 1929 to 1979. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, they were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications.

Lack of maintenance of older electrical equipment, illegal dumping of PCB waste and burning of PCB equipment in landfills may expose us to these chemicals by contaminating our food sources and air.

How To Reduce Exposure

Watch out for the following as they may produce PCBs

Protecting yourself and your loved ones are simpler than you think! Watch out for these common items found at home that may contain PCBs.

Download PCBs Brochure

PCB related issues

Due to the use of PCBs (for their fire resistant properties) the electrical and power generation industries are particularly susceptible or even influential with PCB

Firefighting foams

Due to the use of PFOS/PFAS in firefighting foams this industry is particularly susceptible or even influential with PFAS related contamination issues

Recreational

Recreational use of potentially contaminated areas (where fire-fighting foam was used – including fire-fighting practice areas) can expose children to contamination

Need some more information on PCBs?

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