TB 049 - Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Flashcards
Except for isolated cases, what year did the EPA forbid manufacturing of PCBs?
1979
What type of effects have occurred from occupational exposure to PCB’s?
Dermatological effects
When were PCB’s first discovered?
1881
When were PCB’s commercially manufactured?
1929
How many compounds that are commercially used are referred to as PCB’s
100 out of 209
When and where were the dangers of PCB’s first recognized and how many people were contaminated?
1968 in Yusho, Japan.
more than 1000 people
How many pounds of PCB chemicals are still in use throughout the USA?
An estimated 750-million
What are PCBs primarily used for?
Insulating oils
What color are PCB’s
Clear to amber in color
Flash Point?
High Flash point: 383 F
Boiling Point?
High boiling point: 612 F +
What is the range of how many PPM were found in the natural gas supply in Southern California?
One part per million to 1600 parts per million
Any ___ or ___ encountered in any natural gas pipeline system should be presumed to contain PCBs
Oily mist or liquid
Where may liquids be encountered within the pipeline?
Low points
Drips
Orifice
Meters
Scrubbers
Regulators
Electrical transformer size
20-600 Gallons or more
Capacitor size
2-4 gallons
PCB trade names
Askarel
Pyranol
Clorphen
Elemex
Fenclor
Asbestol
What type of classification do PCBs get on shipping papers?
ORM-E Waste (Other Regulated Materials -“E”)
What is the only positive method of identifying PCBs?
Chemical analysis
How will all water and power capacitors, transformers, regulators and resistors be labeled?
With a 2”x2” yellow and black sign with the following warning:
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
DANGER!!
Contains Polychlorinated Biphenyls (cancer agent)
Who can be contacted for positive identification of locations where PCBs are present?
Water and Power Emergency Dispatch Center thought MFC
Skin exposure has resulted in a skin condition similar to a rash known as
Chlorance
PCBs are retained where in the body?
Fatty tissue, thymus, adrenal glands and the nervous system
What are the signs a person has suffered systemic intoxication from PCBs?
Nausea, Vomiting, loss of weight, jaundice, edema and abdominal pain
Contaminated levels as classified by EPA?
-“PCB Transformers” - 500 ppm or higher of PCBs
-“PCB - Contaminated transformer” - containing less than 50 ppm of PCBs
At what temperature will PCBs be neutralized?
Excess of 2285 F
