Other names
PCBs
CAS Number
various
Properties
- synthetically manufactured mixtures including 209 different individual substances (congeners): distinguished by the number and location of the chlorine atom on the two phenol rings
- clear to yellowish liquid
- practically insoluble in water
- vary according to the quantity of chlorine
Main sources
- condensers and transformers (insulation)
- hydraulic oil
- lacquers, resins, plastics, printing inks, adhesives
- durable elastic joint sealing
Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO
(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)
- Air 0,1 kg/year
- Water 0,1 kg/year
- Soil 0,1 kg/year
Impacts
- ingestion of large quantities: acute skin discomfort (e.g. chloracne, skin pigmentation), liver, spleen and kidney damage and weakens the immune system
- suspected carcinogenic effect
- carcinogenic effect in animals
- very slow decomposition in the environment
- accumulates in the food chain
- daily ingestion of small quantities with food
- is one of the most important environmental pollutants, available everywhere in the environment
