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No, this isn't about the Pakistan Cricket Board...we're talking about polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. As described by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PCBs belong to "a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons." PCBs were "domestically manufactured from 1929 until their manufacture was banned in 1979." Despite the ban, PCBs may still be present in products manufactured prior to 1979, e.g. Transformers and capacitors, voltage regulators, switches, reclosers, bushings, electromagnets, oil used in motors and hydraulic systems, old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors, fluorescent light ballasts, cable insulation, thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork, adhesives and tapes, oil-based paint, caulking, plastics, and carbonless copy paper.
PCBs in the environment have been found to pose a health risk for humans and animals. According to the EPA, "Studies in humans provide supportive evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs." Learn more about PCBs here.
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