Home :: What is polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)?
What is polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chemicals once used for a diverse range of applications, including flame retardants, coolants, lubricants, plasticizers, pesticides, and sealants. They are similar to PBDEs in structure and functionality when used as flame retardants.
Where is it found?
PCBs have been banned for most uses in the United States since the late 1970s but still persist in the environment in products produced before the ban. They were used in hydraulic equipment, transformers, capacitors, plastics, paints, rubber, dyes, pigments and pesticides. There are no known natural sources of PCBs. They may also be found in high concentrations in fish who live in contaminated waters.
Why should I be concerned?
PCBs have been shown to cause skin rashes, immunological and neurological changes. The EPA has classified them as "probable human carcinogens". They PCBs have been banned in Japan and the UK.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, please see the ATSDR ToxFAQs for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), the Wikipedia entry for polychlorinated biphenyl, the CHEC chemical profile for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and the EPA page for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB).
