What are polychlorinated biphenyls?
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are an organic compound class, which are often highly toxic and persist in the environment, although their production was banned in the United States in 1979 and internationally in 2001. Despite their ban, they often remain in households, in subjects such as electrical equipment, thermal insulation, wood finishes and seals. However, these toxins are cumulative. This means that it accumulates in the body over time.
The effects of exposure to a large amount of polychlorinated biphenyls can be quite deep. Acute toxicity can manifest itself as serious skin disorders. Animals exposed can develop liver cancer and polychlorinated biphenyls are considered to be probable carcinogens in humans. These threads found in human breast milk and have been shown to cause developmental problems in children thatThey were exposed to them. The PCB can also be affected by the thyroid and the immune system.
Structurally, the PCB is a diverse group of compounds. The basic polychlorinated biphenyl structure is a few benzene rings that consist of a circle of six carbon atoms with attached hydrogen atoms. The rings have twice the bonds and each ring has one or more chlorine atoms. The number of chlorine atoms per circle can range from one to ten, leading to 209 possible different compounds.
Chemical properties may vary depending on the number and location of these chlorine atoms. For example, with multiple chlorine atoms, it is more difficult to degrade polychlorinated biphenyls. Due to their resistance to degradation, these PCBs remain in an environment for a long time and are known as permanent organic pollutants .
PCB can be found in the air, soil and water and were found in distant areas such as ARKtida. Polychlorinated biphenyl molecules with several chlorine atoms are lightweight and often found in the air. Molecules with multiple chlorine atoms are usually heavier and are more likely to be toxic and carcinogenic. These serious compounds often occur in water sediment.
The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls are partly due to their ability to undergo bioacumulation . When connected to sediment in water, PCB is usually consumed by small animals and fish. This may increase the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyl in these creatures. Any other organism, which then its contaminated fish is exposed to a much higher dose of chemicals. People who eat a lot of fish from contaminated waters can be exposed in this way to a polychlorinated biphenyl.
Despite the international ban on PCBS, these compounds still find their way to the environment. This may be the result of chemical leaks or fires. Contamination can also cause disproportionately thrown industrial waste. SomeConsumer products containing polychlorinated biphenyls may also infuse the chemical if they are destroyed in landfills that are not designed to deal with hazardous waste. Another source of contamination may be the burning of waste containing PCB.