Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a serious environmental pollutant. While they are banned here, small amounts still turn up.
What PCBs are
PCBs are mixtures of over 200 individual chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds, known as congeners.
In the past they were manufactured and used as coolants and lubricants in:
- transformers
- capacitors
- other electronics.
They were also used as hydraulic fluids and as components in brake linings and in the manufacture of:
- adhesives
- sealants
- varnishes
- printing inks.
How PCBs get into the environment
Since the 1980’s, the production, importation, and use of PCBs have been banned or tightly regulated in many countries. PCBs are banned in Aotearoa New Zealand, but small amounts can still turn up. Their storage and disposal need to be properly managed.
All PCBs are manufactured. They get into the environment through industrial processes and leaks from items that have PCBs in them.
How PCBs get into your body
PCBs can contaminate land, water and the air. They enter our body when we consume a contaminated source.
Health effects caused by exposure to PCBs
Exposure to PCBs can cause conditions such as:
- cancer
- severe sickness
- heart disease
- asthma
- memory, attention, or problem-solving (cognitive) impairments
- skin disorders
- weakened immune systems.
Managing PCBs
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages PCBs in Aotearoa New Zealand. In December 2016 the EPA updated the Hazardous Substances (Storage and Disposal of Persistent Organic Pollutants) Notice 2004 to allow for the disposal of PCBs to be managed in a similar way to other persistent organic pollutants.