Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as congeners). There are no known natural sources of PCBs since PCBs are no longer produced in the United States, but they are still found in the environment. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids that are colorless to light. Some PCBs can exist as a vapor in air. PCBs have no known smell or taste. Many commercial PCB mixtures are known in the U.S. by the trade name Aroclor. PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors and other electrical equipment because they don’t burn easily and are good insulators.
|
Author ArchiveGroundwater contamination usually arises when individuals have wells. In those circumstances, the ground aquifer is contaminated with the specific chemical or chemicals released by the responsible party. This material then develops into a plume and infiltrates the various well water sources. Individuals that own the wells are then exposed to the chemicals by ingestion (drinking the water), skin contact (bathing with the water), and inhalation (breathing steam from the water). In addition to being exposed to groundwater contamination through wells, groundwater contamination can also result in areas of low water tables with atmospheric or air contamination in people’s homes. If the chemicals are volatile, such as gasoline or other materials, they may escape into people’s basements and may be trapped, thereby exposing the homeowner who may inhale the fumes. |
Entries (RSS)