Alternatives to PCBs

Replacement chemicals
PCBs had been on the market for over forty years before production had to cease. Since a total of 1.5 billion pounds of these compounds were produced in the U.S. alone, it was clear that many products relied on PCBs to run.

But don’t fret; manufacturers have been making use of the following chemicals as alternatives to PCBs. Alternatives vary depending on the products:
Limiting exposure to PCBs

The above alternatives may be critical in eliminating the future need for PCBs, but how do we deal with those already released into the environment or already made in products?

Unless your line of work requires you to deal directly with PCBs (shown on the left), you need NOT take such drastic measures as the person on the right!

Here are tips on how to reduce everyday contact with PCBs:
- never burn wood that has been treated or painted

- when consuming fish and other fatty foods, use cooking methods that retain as little fat in the animal as possible (baking or broiling)

- limit consumption of fish

- avoid going near transformers or capacitors as old ones may have remnants of PCBs

- when renovating your home, be informed about which chemicals are contained in your paints, sealants, and floor finishing

- access the external links on the left column for further information