PCBs on the way out: heat-absorbing chemical used in transformers and capacitors must be handled with caution

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Public Power; (United States)

OSTI ID:6096392

Snyder, H

Stable, heat-absorbing, and reliable polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have many uses, but utilities and other users are increasingly concerned about the health threats to personnel and the public. PCBs accumulate because their stability makes them hard to destroy and, although they are no longer manufactured for sale, stringent environmental regulations apply to the 750 million pounds still in use until they are replaced and disposed of. Electrical equipment containing PCBs cannot be overhauled, but must be disposed of in chemical-waste landfills. Public opposition to siting these landfills could lead to dangerous illegal dumping. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations specify how utilities must handle equipment containing PCBs to minimize contamination of the environment and the food chain.

• OSTI ID: 6096392
• Journal Information: Public Power; (United States), Journal Name: Public Power; (United States) Vol. 37:4; ISSN PUPOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
296002 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power Transmission & Distribution-- (-1989)
552000* -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AROMATICS
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
REGULATIONS
TOXIC MATERIALS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT