Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Toxic Substance Control Act

1. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Toxic Substance Control Act Environmental Compliance Assistance Workshop September 13th, 2005 Raj Aiyar (404) 562-8993 EPA Region 4

2. TSCA Programs • PCBs • New Chemicals (Core TSCA) • Asbestos in Schools • Lead Based Paint

3. PCBs

4. What are PCBs? Cl Cl Cl Cl • 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) H Cl H H H Cl C12H(10-n)Cln

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification Has Increased 100 Million Times PCB Concentration (parts per billion) Herring Gull Fish-eating Birds 3,530,000 Catfish Small Fish 11,580 Protozoa, etc. 1,880 Plankton Sediments 150 Sediments 0.05 Water

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 40 CFR Part 761

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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.

15. For More Information…. • Regional PCB Coordinator : • (404) 562-8990 • Region 4 • Fax: (404) 562-8972 • www.epa.gov/pcb • www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbt