Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Environmental effects
Description
PCBs do not readily break down in the environment and may persist for long periods of time.
PCBs can accumulate in fatty tissues of animals. The longevity of PCBs and their affinity for fatty tissue can result in PCBs moving up and concentrating through the food chain, resulting in levels that may be many times higher than in the water. Research has found that some animal species, such as young fish, are particularly sensitive to PCBs. PCB contamination may cause mutations in plants, decline in some bird populations and reduced reproduction in sea mammals.
Entering the environment
PCBs can enter the environment as a result of their manufacture, use and disposal; from accidental leaks during storage or transport, or from leaks or fires in products that contain PCBs. PCBs may also enter the environment from hazardous waste sites, illegal or improper disposal of industrial wastes and consumer products, and from burning some wastes in incinerators.
Where it ends up
PCBs are capable of traveling long distances in air or water. Most PCBs will adhere to organic particles and sediments in the water bodies and will bind strongly to soil.
Environmental guidelines
Currently there are no air quality environmental guidelines for PCBs.
In 2000, the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) established trigger levels of 0.01-1.7 micrograms of PCBs (as Aroclor 1242 and Aroclor 1254) per litre of fresh water. No trigger levels were established for PCBs in marine water.
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