Learn about PCBs
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chlorinated chemicals that are legacy pollutants. The U.S banned the manufacture of PCBs in 1979 after 50 years of production. The ban was due to the toxicity of PCBs. Many industrial and commercial businesses used PCBs in lubricants, coolants, electrical equipment, and hydraulic equipment. PCBS were also used as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubbers; and in pigments, dyes, and inks.