A polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is a class of chemicals that were manufactured for industrial purposes as coolants and lubricants for electrical equipment until they were phased out in 1977. These highly persistent chemicals can still be found in older electrical equipment and in industrial waste sites.

PCBs can cause bronchitis, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system impairment, fertility problems, and changes in liver function.

see also:
"polychlorinated biphenyls" is in the HS Code "2710.91"
- -- Containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)


Other /More definition:
A polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is a group of synthetic, toxic industrial chemical compounds once used in making paint and electrical transformers, which are chemically inert and not biodegradable. PCBs were frequently found in industrial wastes, and subsequently found their way into surface and ground waters. As a result of their persistence, they tend to accumulate in the environment. In terms of streams and rivers, PCBs are drawn to sediment, to which they attach and can remain virtually indefinitely. Although virtually banned in 1979 with the passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act, they continue to appear in the flesh of fish and other animals.

see also:
"polychlorinated biphenyls" is in the HS Code "2710.91"
- -- Containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)


Related Articles to the term 'Polychlorinated biphenyls'

'PCB' ■■■■■■■
PCB may refer to Printed circuit board, a board used in electronics or Polychlorinated biphenyls, organic . . . Read More
'Contaminated soil' ■■■■■■
Contaminated soil in the environmental context refers to the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, . . . Read More
'Biphenyl' ■■■■■■
Biphenyl is an organic compound consisting of two benzene rings connected by a single bond. It is a colorless . . . Read More
'Bacteria' at top500.de ■■■■■■
Bacteria refers to the living single-cell organisms. Bacteria can be carried by water, wind, insects, . . . Read More
'Nitrogen oxides' ■■■■■■
Nitrogen oxides are harmful gases (which contribute to Acid rain and Global warming) emitted as a Byproduct . . . Read More
'Carbohydrate' at top500.de ■■■■■■
Carbohydrate pertains to a large group of organic compounds made during photosynthesis in green plants . . . Read More
'Root' at top500.de ■■■■■■
Root: In vascular plants, the root is the organ of a plant that typically lies below the surface of the . . . Read More
'Discharge' ■■■■■■
A Discharge is the flow of surface water in a stream or canal or the outflow of Ground Water from a flowing . . . Read More
'Polycyclic organic matter (POM)' ■■■■■
Polycyclic organic matter (POM) : A Polycyclic organic matter (POM) is Defines a broad class of compounds . . . Read More
'Nitrate' ■■■■■
Nitrate is a polyatomic ion with the molecular formula NO3 . Nitrates also describe the organic functional . . . Read More