TB 049 - Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Question 1

Except for isolated cases, what year did the EPA forbid manufacturing of PCBs?

Answer 1

1979

Question 2

What type of effects have occurred from occupational exposure to PCB’s?

Answer 2

Dermatological effects

Question 3

When were PCB’s first discovered?

Answer 3

1881

Question 4

When were PCB’s commercially manufactured?

Answer 4

1929

Question 5

How many compounds that are commercially used are referred to as PCB’s

Answer 5

100 out of 209

Question 6

When and where were the dangers of PCB’s first recognized and how many people were contaminated?

Answer 6

1968 in Yusho, Japan.

more than 1000 people

Question 7

How many pounds of PCB chemicals are still in use throughout the USA?

Answer 7

An estimated 750-million

Question 8

What are PCBs primarily used for?

Answer 8

Insulating oils

Question 9

What color are PCB’s

Answer 9

Clear to amber in color

Question 10

Flash Point?

Answer 10

High Flash point: 383 F

Question 11

Boiling Point?

Answer 11

High boiling point: 612 F +

Question 12

What is the range of how many PPM were found in the natural gas supply in Southern California?

Answer 12

One part per million to 1600 parts per million

Question 13

Any ___ or ___ encountered in any natural gas pipeline system should be presumed to contain PCBs

Answer 13

Oily mist or liquid

Question 14

Where may liquids be encountered within the pipeline?

Answer 14

Low points
Drips
Orifice
Meters
Scrubbers
Regulators

Question 15

Electrical transformer size

Answer 15

20-600 Gallons or more

Question 16

Capacitor size

Answer 16

2-4 gallons

Question 17

PCB trade names

Answer 17

Askarel
Pyranol
Clorphen
Elemex
Fenclor
Asbestol

Question 18

What type of classification do PCBs get on shipping papers?

Answer 18

ORM-E Waste (Other Regulated Materials -“E”)

Question 19

What is the only positive method of identifying PCBs?

Answer 19

Chemical analysis

Question 20

How will all water and power capacitors, transformers, regulators and resistors be labeled?

Answer 20

With a 2”x2” yellow and black sign with the following warning:

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
DANGER!!
Contains Polychlorinated Biphenyls (cancer agent)

Question 21

Who can be contacted for positive identification of locations where PCBs are present?

Answer 21

Water and Power Emergency Dispatch Center thought MFC

Question 22

Skin exposure has resulted in a skin condition similar to a rash known as

Answer 22

Chlorance

Question 23

PCBs are retained where in the body?

Answer 23

Fatty tissue, thymus, adrenal glands and the nervous system

Question 24

What are the signs a person has suffered systemic intoxication from PCBs?

Answer 24

Nausea, Vomiting, loss of weight, jaundice, edema and abdominal pain

Question 25

Contaminated levels as classified by EPA?

Answer 25

-“PCB Transformers” - 500 ppm or higher of PCBs

-“PCB - Contaminated transformer” - containing less than 50 ppm of PCBs

Question 26

At what temperature will PCBs be neutralized?

Answer 26

Excess of 2285 F