POLYCHLORINATED

BIPHENYLS (PCBS)
AHMAD FIKRI BIN AHMAD NASIR
WHAT ARE PCBS?
PCBs are chemicals formed by attaching
one or more chlorine atoms to a pair of
connected benzene rings.There are 209
different PCB congeners that can be formed,
and they can also be divided into the
coplanar.
Because of their insulating and
nonflammable properties, PCBs were
marketed for nearly 50 years between 1929
and 1977
 THE USE OF PCBS
PCBs are seen as chemical compounds that are very beneficial for the electronic
equipment assembly industry and other industrial interests. Due to their heat-resistant
properties, physical and biological stability, insolubleness in water, and relatively low
production costs, PCBs are widely used and utilized.
Discovered in 1920, this chemical compound has several characteristics that are useful
in industry:
Resistant to heating up to 1,500°C;
Low electrical conductivity (functions as an insulator);
Stable chemical compounds (whose chemical composition is difficult to change and
decompose); and
Not soluble in water or soluble in fat
Hydraulic and lubricating fluids, and
As ingredients in caulking compounds, paints, adhesives, flame retardants, and
plasticizers.

THE FOLLOWING TRADE

NAMES ARE USED FOR
COMMERCIAL PCB
MIXTURES:
Aroclor
Asbestol
Askarel
Clorphen
Diaclor
Dykanol
EEC-18
Eucarel
Nepolin
Pyranol
THE EFFECT OF PCBS TOXICANT TO THE HEALTH
1. Human exposures to relatively high levels of PCBs have occurred primarily in
persons working in plants that extensively manufactured and used PCBs and PCB-
containing equipment. Occupational exposure to PCBs can result in a broad
spectrum of effects that includes

Increased levels of some liver enzymes, with possible hepatic damage,

Chloracne and related dermal lesions, and
Respiratory problems

2. Potential adverse human health effects of low-level environmental exposure to PCBs

are complex and still need further validation
In animal studies, commercial PCBs elicit a broad range of toxic responses including:
Acute lethality,
Body weight loss,
Carcinogenesis,
Dermal toxicity,
3. Mechanism of PCB Toxicity
PCBs are metabolized by the microsomal monooxygenase system catalyzed by
cytochrome P-450 to phenols (via arene oxide intermediates), which can be conjugated
or further hydroxylated to form a catechol

4. Dermatologic Effects
Chloracne and related dermal lesions have been reported in workers occupationally
exposed to PCBs. Mild to moderate chloracne was observed in 7 of 14 workers exposed
to 0.1 mg/m3 Aroclors for an average duration of 14.3 months [Meigs 1954]. Among 80
workers who manufactured capacitors in Italy, 10 cases of acne or folliculitis, or both,
and 5 cases of dermatitis were reported. All of the workers with chloracne were
employed in high exposure jobs. Their blood PCB concentrations ranged from 41 to 1319
µg/kg
 SOLUTIONS TO AVOID HEALTH
EFFECTS CAUSED BY PCBS IN SCHOOLS
GLOBALLY

Clean inside schools and other buildings frequently to reduce

dust and residue.
Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces.
Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Do not sweep with dry brooms or use dry cloths for dusting.
Wash hands with soap and water, particularly before eating
Wash children’s toys.
 CONCLUSION
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a class of 209 man-made organic chemicals
containing carbon, hydrogen and differing amounts of chlorine. The commercial
production of PCBs started in 1929 but their use has subsequently been banned or
severely restricted in many countries since the 1970s and 80s because of the possible
risks to human health and the environment. PCBs have been used in wide range of
products such as plastics, paints, and adhesives. Since PCBs are resistant to acids and
bases as well as to heat, they have also been used in electric equipment, heat transfer
fluids and lubricants. Disposal of waste that contains PCBs in landfills or incinerators
can lead to environmental contamination.
THANK YOU
VERY MUCH!