What are PCBs?

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a group of POPs, toxic, man-made, hazardous organic chemicals that have dangerous effects on the environment and our health.

PCBs hazardous effects

PCBs persist in the environment for long periods and can travel over great distances through air, water and migratory species across international boundaries. They accumulate in fatty tissues and bio-magnify higher up in the food chain, where they can be harmful to top predators such as tuna, seals, polar bears and humans. Of the 209 different types of PCBs, 13 are considered to be dioxin-like POPs. Their persistence in the environment corresponds to the degree of chlorination, and half-lives can vary from 10 days to one-and-a-half years.