Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs Related Links

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a group of chemicals consisting of 209 individual compounds. PCBs were widely used as a fire preventive and insulator in the manufacture of transformers capacitors because of their ability to withstand exceptionally high temperatures. Concern over the toxicity and persistence in the environment of PCBs led Congress in 1976 to enact the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that included, among other things, prohibitions on the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of PCBs.

PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals. PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans provide supportive evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs.

PCBs build up (bioaccumulate) in the environment, increasing in concentration as you move up the food chain. This is of special concern in areas where fish are exposed to PCB contamination and may be consumed by humans (as in the Hudson River). At the Hudson River PCBs site, the best way humans can reduce their risk of exposure to PCBs is by following the New York State Department of Health advisories for consumption of fish from the river.

For information about this page, contact: kluesner.dave@epa.gov

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

LocalNavigation