Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Toxic Substance Control Act

Environmental Compliance Assistance WorkshopSeptember 13th, 2005

Raj Aiyar (404) 562-8993 EPA Region 4

TSCA Programs PCBs New Chemicals (Core TSCA) Asbestos in Schools Lead Based Paint

PCBs

What are PCBs?

PCBs are synthetic organic compounds

209 Congeners (forms)

Commercial PCBs are mixtures of congeners. Produced under various tradenames, Aroclor (Monsanto), Askeral (USA), Pyroclor (UK), Inerteen (Japan), Solvol (Russia)

Cl Cl

H

H Cl

Cl Cl

Cl

H H

C12H(10-n)Cln

PCB Uses PCBs were commercially produced for 50 years PCBs commonly used as:

Dielectric fluid in transformers and capacitors - 56%

Plasticizers (carbonless copy paper) - 30% Hydraulic fluids and lubricants – 12%

Other uses: Flame retardant, paint and coatings, heat

transfer fluid, microscopy, adhesives, casting wax

PCB Attributes PCBs’ many useful physical and chemical

properties led to its widespread use. 1.4 billion lbs were produced between 1930 and 1975.

Attributes include fire resistance, low electrical conductivity, high resistance to thermal breakdown, high degree of chemical stability

PCBs are nearly insoluble in water but dissolve easily in fats

Effects on the Environment When released, PCBs tend to stick

around and easily cycle between environmental media

PCBs are widely distributed in the environment as a consequence of past disposal practices and accidental releases

PCBs bio-accumulate/bio-magnify.

Bioaccumulation/BiomagnificationBioaccumulation/BiomagnificationBioaccumulation/BiomagnificationBioaccumulation/Biomagnification

Has Increased100 Million Times

Herring Gull

Catfish

Protozoa, etc.

Sediments

Fish-eating Birds

Small Fish

Plankton

Sediments

Water

PCBConcentration

(parts per billion)

3,530,000

11,580

1,880

150

0.05

Health Effects PCBs are present in fatty tissues of

exposed animals and humans Documented and suspected health

impacts include: Irritation of skin and eyes; Liver and immune system disorders Reproductive and developmental effects Probable human carcinogen

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

TSCA enacted in October 1976 TSCA bans manufacture, processing,

distribution in commerce and use of PCBs

TSCA allows totally enclosed uses, no unreasonable risk exemptions

TSCA Section 6(e) directed EPA to regulate PCBs

40 CFR Part 761 Subpart A: General Subpart B: Manufacturing

Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use

Subpart C: Marking Subpart D: Storage and Disposal Subpart E: Exemptions Subpart F: Trans-

boundary Shipments for Disposal

Subpart G: PCB Spill Cleanup Policy

Subparts H-I: Reserved Subpart J: General Records

and Reports Subpart K: Disposal Records

and Reports Subparts M-T: Sampling and

Testing

PCB Regulatory Classification There are three general concentration

ranges that are used to categorize PCB materials: < 50 ppm, minimally regulated 50 – 499 ppm, moderately regulated > 500 ppm, maximally regulated

Use Prohibitions/Restrictions may extend to “detectable levels”(e.g., 2 ppm for waste oil used for energy recovery)

PCB Disposal Liquids > 50 ppm: Incineration; high

efficiency boiler; alternative technology; PCB Articles: Incineration; TSCA landfill

(drained and flushed); alternative technology PCB Contaminated Articles: Landfill

(drained); decontaminate/scrap; Disposal facilities require USEPA approval

PCB Program: Inspections and Enforcement

Regional Offices’ compliance staff conduct site inspections and prepare enforcement cases

Inspections targeted to: PCB equipment users; PCB storage/disposal facilities; Subjects of tips and complaints

Inspectors review records,survey facility. Look for use violations, spills, disposal violations, transformer registration documentation.

For More Information….

• Regional PCB Coordinator :

(404) 562-8990

Region 4

Fax: (404) 562-8972

www.epa.gov/pcb

www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbt