Are Polychlorinated Biphenyls Still Used?

Although no longer commercially produced in the United States, PCBs may be present in products and materials produced before the 1979 PCB ban. Products that may contain PCBs include: Transformers and capacitors. Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets.

Are PCBs still used today?

Even with discontinued use, PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are still present in the environment today because they do not breakdown quickly. ... It can take years to remove these chemicals from the environment and that is why they are still present decades after they have been banned.

Are PCBs banned worldwide?

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are industrial products or chemicals. PCB chemicals were banned in the U.S. in 1979 because these chemicals harm human and environmental health. ... PCBs can be found worldwide.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.