Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

What are PCBs?

PCBs belong to a group of toxic organochlorines and were used extensively as fluids in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors. They were also used in pesticides, carbonless copier paper, fluorescent light ballast and other products.

PCBs are a serious health problem because of their persistence in the environment, their accumulation in human and animal tissues, and their potential for chronic or delayed toxicity. The importation of PCBs for most purposes was banned in Australia in the 1970s. However some equipment containing PCBs is still in use today.

Many workers exposed to PCBs have not been given information about the hazards of PCBs or information about correct procedures for the safe handling, transport and disposal of PCBs.

Common or trade names for PCB Compounds include:
Askarel; Aroclor, Chlorinated Biphenyl; Chlorinated Diphenyl; Chlorinol; Chlorobiphenyl, Chlorodiphenyl, Diachlor; Dykanol; DK; Fenchlor: Inerteen; Kanechlor; Montar; No-Flamol; PCBs; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Phenochlor; Pyranol; Santotherm and Therminol.

Identification of PCBs

PCBs range in appearance from colourless, oily liquids to thicker or stickier and increasingly darker liquids, to yellow then black resins, depending on the chlorine content. The major use of PCBs in the electrical industry has been as an insulating fluid inside transformers and capacitors. Large transformers used by electrical supply industries and heavy industries may contain several thousand litres of PCBs. Small capacitors may only contain several millilitres.

Capacitors containing PCBs were installed in various types of equipment including fluorescent light fittings during the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. Capacitors manufactured after the 1970's do not contain PCBs. The guide "Identification of PCB-containing capacitors" published by ANZECC provides detailed lists of electrical equipment that is known to either contain or not to contain PCBs.

Information may also be obtained from the name plate, original purchase specification, tender and contract documents, test certificate and equipment manuals or by contacting the manufacturer. Samples may be taken for analysis by a laboratory that is NATA-registered for PCB analysis.

Health effects of PCBs

A broad range of health problems have been reported in people exposed to PCBs. These health effects increase with the amount of PCBs and the length of exposure. PCBs accumulate in the body with repeated exposure and are stored in fat tissue and body organs including the liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.

PCB exposure can cause:

• Chloracne (a severe, persistent acne-like rash) is the most commonly observed symptom in people exposed to high levels
  
• Liver damage
  
• Respiratory disorders.
  
• Thyroid gland disorders.
  
• Muscle and joint pain, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
  
• Cancer - PCBs are classed as Carcinogen Class 2 (probable human carcinogen).
  
• Reproductive problems in animals. These include increased spontaneous abortion rates, still births, underweight births and decreased post-natal survival.

When PCBs are exposed to extreme heat they may form dioxins, which are highly toxic.

Risks of exposure to PCBs

Workers involved in servicing and dismantling electrical appliances, transformers and capacitors may be exposed to PCBs. PCBs can also be found in hazardous waste sites, in sewage sludge and in soot from transformer fires. Illegally disposed materials, probably not labelled, containing PCBs and PCB waste may also be found at landfill sites where they may leak. Hazardous waste site workers, municipal workers and fire fighters are therefore also at risk. PCB-containing capacitors contain small amounts of PCBs and are unlikely to pose a health risk unless they become damaged or leak.

PCBs can affect the body if they contact the skin, if they are inhaled or if they are swallowed. Absorption through the skin represents the major occupational health risk. Consumption of PCB-contaminated fish is a major non-occupational source of exposure. As PCBs are relatively non-volatile, inhalation is usually not a significant route of absorption unless there is a heat source or in a confined space.

Workers who are regularly exposed to PCBs should have a medical examination at least annually with special emphasis on skin disorders, liver function and reproductive history. The medical monitoring should continue for at least 30 years. This is due to the long latency period between the time of first exposure and the development of cancer which is usually at least 10 years.

Exposure Standards

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) has determined a maximum exposure standard for PCB's:

PCBs containing 42 % chloride	Time weighted average (TWA)	1 mg/m3
	Short term exposure limit (STEL)	2 mg/m3
PCBs containing 54 % chloride	Time weighted average (TWA)	0.5 mg/m3
	Short term exposure limit (STEL)	1 mg/m3

The exposure standards represent airborne concentrations which, according to current knowledge, should neither impair the health of nor cause undue discomfort to nearly all workers. However it should be noted that the exposure standards do not represent `no-effect' levels which guarantee protection to every worker.

The above TWA exposure standards apply to long-term exposure to a substance over an eight-hour day, for a five-day working week. STEL exposure standards refer to the maximum level of exposure allowed over a period of 15 minutes.

Correct labelling of PCBs

Electrical equipment which is known to contain PCBs but is to remain in service, should be identified with prominent labels which state: "CAUTION – CONTAINS POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) - A TOXIC HAZARD AND TOXIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANT"

If PCB – containing components have been removed from electrical equipment, a PCB-FREE label should be attached to the equipment.

Unwanted electrical equipment containing PCBs, which is awaiting disposal and containers used for storing PCB wastes should be labelled on each of two opposite sides with the following warning: "ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANT – CLASS 6.1 (A). CAUTION - CONTAINS POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) – A TOXIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANT."

Storage drums containing contaminated solvents (e.g. Kerosene) used to clean up PCB spills, should be labeled in the same way and should have an additional label stating "FLAMMABLE LIQUID".

Safe handling of PCBs

Care should be taken to avoid spillage or leakage of PCBs. Where workers may come into direct contact with PCBs, such as when handling damaged capacitors, the following precautions should be taken:

• Conduct a risk assessment to determine a safe work procedure.
  
  
• Determine whether professional help is required.
  
  
• Wear disposable gloves made of materials that are resistant to PCBs such as Viton, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), butyl rubber, nitrile rubber or neoprene rubber. Do not use PVC or latex gloves. Mid-arm gauntlets may be required.
  
  
• Wear disposable overalls and boots with chemical resistant properties eg.Tyvek if there is a risk of spillage.
  
  
• Eye protection is essential. If working overhead (eg. light fixtures) then a full face shield should be worn.
  
  
• If PCB vapours are suspected (eg. PCBs leak onto a hot surface in a confined space) wear a suitable respirator. A twin cartridge type respirator suitable for chlorinated vapours is required. Used respirator cartridges should be treated as PCB wastes and placed in proper storage containers. Inhalation of vapours at room temperature is not significant and is generally no requirement for respiratory protection although good ventilation is important.
  
  
• No smoking is to be permitted during the clean up. Workers handling PCBs should wash their hands thoroughly in warm soapy water before eating, drinking, smoking or using toilet facilities.
  
  

First Aid

Eye contact
Wash out immediately with copious amounts of running water for 10-15 minutes. Occasionally lift the upper and lower eyelids to ensure complete irrigation of the eyes. Medical attention should be obtained immediately.

Skin Contact
Immediate remove all contaminated clothing. Wash affected areas with warm, soapy water. Do not use kerosene to remove PCBs form skin or clothing. Obtain medical attention as soon a possible.

Inhalation
A person overcome by PCB vapour should be moved to fresh air and urgent medical attention obtained.

All accidents involving PCBs should be reported and recorded to cover any subsequent claims for compensation.

Cleaning up PCB spills and leaks

The following procedures should be followed in the event of a spill or a leak of PCBs:

• Use an absorbent material (preferably commercial absorbent, kitty litter or a diatomaceous earth or cloth, paper towel, sand, sawdust, straw or soil.) to form a barrier to prevent any of the PCB from escaping into drainage systems. Soak up the PCB with the absorbent material.
  
  
• Non-porous surfaces and equipment should be cleaned with an organic solvent eg. kerosene, and the solvent collected and disposed of as a PCB-containing solvent.
  
  
• All porous material, including protective clothing and soil that has been contaminated must be placed in a strong, sealed polyethylene bag, which is then placed in a sound, sealable metal drum. An absorbent material should be packed around the PCB equipment to absorb any leaks. The drum should then be sealed and labelled as "TOXIC - PCB waste" together with the contents.
  
  
• Any PCB-contaminated solvents from the clean up should be stored in separate drums and labelled "TOXIC FLAMMABLE - PCB contaminated solvent".
  
  
• Where a significant spill (i.e. in excess of 500ml) to the environment has occurred, notify the appropriate State Environment Authority.

Storage and disposal of PCBs

Scheduled PCB waste – any material containing PCBs more than 50g or above 50mg/kg
All scheduled PCB waste must be treated by a licensed/approved operator. Solid and liquid scheduled waste must not go to landfill. Quantities above 10kg must be notified to Department of Environment and Heritage.

Non-scheduled PCB waste – any material which has no further use and which contains PCBs at levels less than 50 g or below 50mg/kg.
Non-scheduled liquid waste must not go to landfill however solid waste can go to landfill if correct disposal methods are used. Only approved landfill sites may be used. Contact the Environment Protection Authority for details of your local approved landfill site.

PCB-free waste - material that contains PCBs at a concentration of 2mg/kg or less.
PCB-free waste may be disposed of in an approved landfill site.

• PCB-containing equipment should be placed in a polythene bag and sealed inside a metal container that is clearly marked with the details of the contents.
  
  
• If some of the material is leaking then the container should be partially filled with an absorbent packing material.
  
  
• Equipment which is too large for such containment must have the PCB drained into suitable containers.
  
  
• Containers should be stored in an area that prevents discharge into the environment (no drains) and is secure from unauthorized entry. Storage areas should be clearly signed to warn workers of the potential hazards of PCBs.
  
  
• Containers should be stored in a separate location, well away from any flammable liquids and from food storage and preparation areas. Drums should be raised off the floor to avoid corrosion of the bottom of the container.
  
  
• Undamaged and non-leaking electrical equipment may be stored and transported in an upright position without further containment.
  
  
• Leakage to the environment during storage and transport must be avoided.
  
  
• The responsibility for supervision of the store should be assigned to a person with the appropriate knowledge and authority to direct operations in an emergency situation.
  
  
• Permanent records of all material in the store should be readily available for emergency situations. Duplicate records should be kept in an area remote from the store.
  
  
• If spillage occurs, access should be restricted to trained personnel who are familiar with emergency procedures for handling PCBs. The appropriate State Government Environment Authority must be immediately notified of the spillage (NSW Environment Protection Authority).

Transporting PCBs

Scheduled PCB material and waste must be transported in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG) and any other legislative requirements. All workers involved in the transport of PCB wastes should be fully informed of the hazards of PCBs and trained in the correct procedures required for the safe transport of these hazardous materials.

Fire precautions

Extremely hazardous gases such as dioxins may be released during fires involving PCBs. It is essential that fire fighters are made aware of the hazards and wear approved self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fire should be extinguished with foam or dry agents so that drains and waterways are not contaminated with PCB wastes.

Useful references

The Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage has information on PCBs at it's website. Or FREECALL 1800 657 945

Workcover NSW Chemical Safety Management 02 4321 5191 or 13 10 50

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Telephone 02 9995 5000

For further information and advice contact the Workers Health Centre
02 9749 7666
admin@workershealth.com.au

Facts 012 © Workers Health Centre, 2004