Polychlorinated Biphenyl - Newell Hotke

Physical Properties:
-Odourless
-Tasteless
-Clear to pale-yellow
-Visous
-Low waster solubility

Chemical Properties:
-Highly toxic
-High flash point
-Stable compound

Chemical Formula: C12H10-xClx

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) is a highly toxic, vicous liquid or solid that is odourless, tasteless, and clear to pale yellow. PCBs are a group of oily man made products, that can resist high temperatures and pressure. (Quinn, 2009)





Where to be found/Uses: These deadly PCBs can be found in the waterways, air, wildlife, cropland and the evironment. PCBs are toxic and persistent chemicals primarily used as insulating fluids in heavy-duty electrical equipment in power plants, industries, and large buildings across the country. Also found in the wildlife around rivers and bays, but mostly in fish and by eating them they can be transford to us. ("The history of," 2001)


<-Picture to the left shows how PCBs get to the fish and to us.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPWkUc4VTrMaq7YN_8fi3lWVtDOciPMr-l2H7GC33mX3X4XDoiAQpjvEmLXKm9fRpmVcOaKILgwpIvs0Qw453rVm7-_i-k2A75cH0IWtcFotamHuobmjRMcHQPsmyBX6s0skY3uLnj4Gj/s1600/pcb-accumulation1.jpg

Dangers: If contact is made, it results in dermatitis known as cloracne. Contact can/will cause irritation of the skin. PCBs can have possible effects on the heart, blood vessels, liver and reproductive organs, as well as causing cancer. Also toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. "No antidote exists for PCB exposure; therefore, treatment is symptomatic" (Alcorn, 2000)

For more information on the dangers of PBCs, Just click! http://www.wsn.org/cwac/pcbfacts.html
And for a video for the less literate, http://www.videojug.com/interview/dioxin-and-pcbs-explained

Mclovin's opinion on PCBs is that they are of course dangerous, not only to us but the environment. And to reduce the risk of being exposed to PCBs is to eat no fish or game, anything wildlife from rivers.



Resources:

Alcorn, Philip. (2000). Pcb dangers . Retrieved from http://www.alcorn-energy.com/tech6.htm

The history of pcbs. (2001). Retrieved from http://www.foxriverwatch.com/monsanto2a_pcb_pcbs.html

Quinn, Pat. (2009, Febuary). Polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) . Retrieved from http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/polychlorinatedbiphenyls.htm