Guide to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Our Environment

Polychlorinated biphenyls are chlorinated, dual-ring organic compounds that once were used prevalently in the electronics industry as dielectric fluids in the manufacture of transformers, capacitors, etc. PCBs were classified as persistent organic pollutants, and their production in the United States was banned in 1979. PCBs are still found in some devices, but as the devices wear out new ones without PCBs replace them. Unfortunately, polychlorinated biphenyls are still found in the oceans, where they are consumed by various life forms, climbing their way up the food chain. Learn more about polychlorinated biphenyls by reading authoritative articles written by concerned Bright Hub contributors.