About PCBs

PCBs accumulate in the sediments at the bottoms of streams, rivers, lakes and coastal areas. These chemicals can build up in the fatty tissues of fish and other animals, and in high concentrations pose serious health risks to people who frequently eat contaminated fish. 

Where are PCBs found?

  • PCBs restricted under TSCA in 1976 are referred to as legacy PCBs

  • PCBs generated inadvertently during manufacturing are referred to as inadvertent PCBs (iPCBs)

  • There are more than 200 processes that legally generate inadvertent PCBs and products designated as "PCB-free" can contain up to 50ppm (25ppm on average) PCBs, such as paints, plastics, rubber products, pigments, and dyes. 

  • PCBs are created as by-products in the current manufacturing processes for certain pigments and some are being found in air, water, and sediments samples.

  • A child’s lunch napkin has enough PCBs in it to contaminate a small kiddie pool above drinking water standards. See P2 Webinar for details. LINK

  • Very high levels of legacy PCBs can be found in caulking and sealants used in construction or renovation of building before 1979. Non-liquid PCB applications >50ppm ARE NOT authorized for use, however, these products currently exist in schools, office buildings, and homes constructed prior to 1979.

How are people exposed to PCBs?

  • The highest human exposures to PCBs are by people eating contaminated fish.

  • More than 1,000 fish advisories for PCBs are in effect throughout the United States and approximately 24% of all fish advisories are a result of PCB contamination in fish and shellfish. 

  • Exposure to legacy PCBs found in caulking and sealants used in construction before 1978, can occur via inhalation of PCB vapors and contaminated particulates, as well as via ingestion and dermal pathways.

  • Human exposure via clothing, napkins, and printed materials is possible. PCBs may enter the wastewater stream through disposal of paper and washing of clothing. See P2 Webinar for details- LINK

How can PCBs affect human health or the environment?

  • Preventing the production of PCBs is a critical public health issue because PCBs are associated with harm to health at very low concentrations.

  • PCBs are highly toxic and slow to break down in the environment.

  • PCBs bioaccumulate in the food web.

  • Certain PCBs are now known to cause cancer.

  • PCBs also harm the endocrine system, especially thyroid function. They are associated with adverse effects on the liver, reproduction and development, the nervous system, immune function, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that PCB exposure is also associated with harmful effects on learning and behavior.