Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Sources of emissions
Industry sources
PCBs are generated and released into the environment as unintentional by-products of chemical manufacturing and incineration.
Previously, PCBs were imported into Australia. This practice ceased in 1975, however, PCBs may be present in many hazardous waste sites and in equipment still containing PCBs.
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
There are no sources of PCBs that arise from diffuse sources.
Natural sources
PCBs do not occur naturally in the environment.
Transport sources
There are no sources of PCBs that arise from transport.
Consumer products
Previously, PCBs were used as dielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers, heat transfer fluids, plasticisers, additives in paint, carbonless copy paper, lubricants and many other industrial and commercial products.
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
