PCBs. Regulatory history and analytical problems

Abstract

PCBs Regulatory History and Analytical ProblemsSynthesis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was first described by Schmidt and Schultz (i) in 1881, but the industrial application of that discovery was not fully developed until 50 years later by the Swan Corporation. Commercial introduction of PCBs as industrial chemicals for use as nonflammable oils, notably in connection with electrical transformers, condensers, and paint, was begun in 1930. Chlorination of the parent moiety, biphenyl, results in a series of

Electron monochromator-mass spectrometer instrument for negative ion analysis of electronegative compounds

“…(b) Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs). Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are well-known environmental pollutants that were first introduced in 1930 for use in electric transformers, condensers, paints, fluorescent light ballasts, heat transfer and hydraulic systems, electromagnets, and copy paper (69). The toxicity of PCB preparations was dramatically illustrated in 1968 by the "Yusho" poisoning incident in Japan, where large amounts of PCB-contaminated rice oil were consumed (70).…”

After “the Regulatory Moment” in Comparative Regulatory Studies: Modeling the Early Stages of Regulatory Life Cycles

“…In the 1960s, the first scientific reports emerged about the dangers to humans and animals of exposure to PCBs (Cairns and Siegmund 1981). At this time the problem of PCB exposure, especially through environmental buildup via bioaccumulation, was acknowledged but no actions were taken (Ashford et al 1985: 426;Ross 2004: 278).…”

“…From 1970 to 1976 an infant regulatory regime existed which attempted to operate a system of voluntary self-regulation as it undertook to develop risk and hazard standards for toxic chemicals (Ashford et al 1985: 432;Ross 2004). In the mid-1970s, the US Food and Drug Administration conducted a significant amount of scientific research on the hazards and exposure levels of PCBs, and regulatory efforts during this time included temporary recommendations rather than industry-wide regulation (Cairns and Siegmund 1981).…”

“…Memory of a major poisoning incident in Japan in 1968 (Ross 2004: 278) and several smaller incidents in the US enabled serious action to be taken as the emerging scientific data bolstered the perception of PCBs as a dangerous and environmentally persistent chemical (Cairns and Siegmund 1981). In 1979, the EPA banned the distribution of PCBs, and in 1980 prohibited its manufacture (Ashford et al 1985: 432).…”

Solid phase extraction of polychlorinated biphenyls from water containing humic substances

“…Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been available as industrial chemicals since 1930, and their widespread application in the following 40 years has made them persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants [1]. Moreover, their demonstrated carcinogenic and teratogenic effects [2,3] as well as their high chemical stability and lipophilia with the consequent ability to bioaccumulate [4] have made their monitoring very important in environmental research, especially where mono-ortho t Deceased July 31,1996 and non-ortho PCBs, the most toxic coplanar stereo isomers, are concerned.…”