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Polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls
(PCBs / PCTs)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are among a group
of man-made chemicals that are known as Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs). PCBs were commercially produced world-wide on a large scale
between the 1930s and 1980s. Given their extraordinary chemical
stability and heat resistance, they were extensively employed as
components in electrical and hydraulic equipment and lubricants.
They have been used in two types of applications:
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Closed uses: dielectric fluids in electrical
equipment such as transformers, capacitors (big industrial capacitors,
but also small capacitors in household electrical appliances),
heat transfer and hydraulic systems.
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Open uses: as pesticide extenders,
sealant, carbonless copy paper, industrial oils, paints, adhesives,
plastics, flame retardants and to control dust on roads.
In the 1970s, owing to severe concerns pertaining
to their human toxicity, suspected carcinogenicity, and environmental
persistence, several countries limited the use of PCBs. Finally
in 1985, the use and marketing of PCBs in the European Community
were very heavily restricted.
PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens
and produce a wide spectrum of adverse effects in animals and humans,
including reproductive toxicity, teratogenicity and immunotoxicity.
They can be transported long distances and have
been detected in the furthest corners of the globe, including places
far from where they were manufactured or used. They have been detected
in virtually all environmental media (indoor and outdoor, surface
and ground water, soil and food).
Directive
96/59/EC on the disposal of PCBs and PCTs aims at disposing
completely of PCBs and equipment containing PCBs as soon as possible. This Directive sets
the requirements for an environmentally sound disposal of PCBs.
Member States have to make an inventory of big equipment containing
PCBs, have to adopt a plan for disposal of inventoried equipment,
and outlines for collection and disposal of non inventoried equipment
(small electrical equipment very often present in household appliances
manufactured before the ban on marketing of PCBs). The PCB Directive further mandates that Member States had to dispose of big equipment (equipment with PCB volumes of more than 5 litres) by the end of 2010 at the latest. The Commission will verify the implementation of this provision.
Furthermore, the Commission has adopted a Community
Strategy on Dioxins, Furans and PCBs aimed at reducing as far as
possible the release of these substances in the environment and
their introduction in the food chains.
In addition, Regulation
(EC) No 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants covers PCB.
The Commission has carried out a study to facilitate the implementation of the waste related provisions
of this Regulation.
Legislation
Summary
of EU Waste Legislation on PCBs / PCTs
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