polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) toxic substance control act environmental compliance assistance...
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Toxic Substance Control Act
Environmental Compliance Assistance WorkshopSeptember 13th, 2005
Raj Aiyar (404) 562-8993 EPA Region 4
TSCA Programs PCBs New Chemicals (Core TSCA) Asbestos in Schools Lead Based Paint
PCBs
What are PCBs?
PCBs are synthetic organic compounds
209 Congeners (forms)
Commercial PCBs are mixtures of congeners. Produced under various tradenames, Aroclor (Monsanto), Askeral (USA), Pyroclor (UK), Inerteen (Japan), Solvol (Russia)
Cl Cl
H
H Cl
Cl Cl
Cl
H H
C12H(10-n)Cln
PCB Uses PCBs were commercially produced for 50 years PCBs commonly used as:
Dielectric fluid in transformers and capacitors - 56%
Plasticizers (carbonless copy paper) - 30% Hydraulic fluids and lubricants – 12%
Other uses: Flame retardant, paint and coatings, heat
transfer fluid, microscopy, adhesives, casting wax
PCB Attributes PCBs’ many useful physical and chemical
properties led to its widespread use. 1.4 billion lbs were produced between 1930 and 1975.
Attributes include fire resistance, low electrical conductivity, high resistance to thermal breakdown, high degree of chemical stability
PCBs are nearly insoluble in water but dissolve easily in fats
Effects on the Environment When released, PCBs tend to stick
around and easily cycle between environmental media
PCBs are widely distributed in the environment as a consequence of past disposal practices and accidental releases
PCBs bio-accumulate/bio-magnify.
Bioaccumulation/BiomagnificationBioaccumulation/BiomagnificationBioaccumulation/BiomagnificationBioaccumulation/Biomagnification
Has Increased100 Million Times
Herring Gull
Catfish
Protozoa, etc.
Sediments
Fish-eating Birds
Small Fish
Plankton
Sediments
Water
PCBConcentration
(parts per billion)
3,530,000
11,580
1,880
150
0.05
Health Effects PCBs are present in fatty tissues of
exposed animals and humans Documented and suspected health
impacts include: Irritation of skin and eyes; Liver and immune system disorders Reproductive and developmental effects Probable human carcinogen
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
TSCA enacted in October 1976 TSCA bans manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce and use of PCBs
TSCA allows totally enclosed uses, no unreasonable risk exemptions
TSCA Section 6(e) directed EPA to regulate PCBs
40 CFR Part 761 Subpart A: General Subpart B: Manufacturing
Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use
Subpart C: Marking Subpart D: Storage and Disposal Subpart E: Exemptions Subpart F: Trans-
boundary Shipments for Disposal
Subpart G: PCB Spill Cleanup Policy
Subparts H-I: Reserved Subpart J: General Records
and Reports Subpart K: Disposal Records
and Reports Subparts M-T: Sampling and
Testing
PCB Regulatory Classification There are three general concentration
ranges that are used to categorize PCB materials: < 50 ppm, minimally regulated 50 – 499 ppm, moderately regulated > 500 ppm, maximally regulated
Use Prohibitions/Restrictions may extend to “detectable levels”(e.g., 2 ppm for waste oil used for energy recovery)
PCB Disposal Liquids > 50 ppm: Incineration; high
efficiency boiler; alternative technology; PCB Articles: Incineration; TSCA landfill
(drained and flushed); alternative technology PCB Contaminated Articles: Landfill
(drained); decontaminate/scrap; Disposal facilities require USEPA approval
PCB Program: Inspections and Enforcement
Regional Offices’ compliance staff conduct site inspections and prepare enforcement cases
Inspections targeted to: PCB equipment users; PCB storage/disposal facilities; Subjects of tips and complaints
Inspectors review records,survey facility. Look for use violations, spills, disposal violations, transformer registration documentation.
For More Information….
• Regional PCB Coordinator :
(404) 562-8990
Region 4
Fax: (404) 562-8972
www.epa.gov/pcb
www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbt