PCBs

CAS Number: 1336-36-3 C12H9ClO3S

http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2005/7745/7745.html

Used for: -Floor Finish -Cable insulation -Oil-based paint -Other electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, reclosers, bushings, and electromagnet -Thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork

How can people be exposed to the chemical? -PCBs make good insulators. They do not easily burn so they are used as lubricants and coolants in electrical equipment. -PCBs may leak out of old fluorescent light fixtures, electrical devices and appliances that are over 30 years old. This would occur when the object becomes hot during operation. This also causes a risk that the skin being exposed.

How can exposure affect your health? -Irritate your eyes, throat, and nose -Can cause damage to the liver -severe acne-like rash -Can damage nervous system causing : numbness, weakness, pins and needles in arms and legs. -Can affect reproductive system of adults. -May be teratgons (an agent which can cause a birth defect) -Chlorance (pale yellow skin lesions) -Evidence suggest that it can cause cancer.

Interesting Facts: -Stopped production in 1977 because exposure caused multiple health affects. -USEPA banned use of PCBs in 1979. (U.s Environmental Protection Agency)

www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/polychlorinatedbiphenyls.htm http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/index.htm http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts17.html

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