A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive ...

..:::::::::: PCB
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e PCB
� PCB is toxic and a carcinogen. Damages
immune, nervous, reproductive and endocrine
systems.
� PCB is a well known pollutant in Norway.
� The distribution of the chemical is among the
best mapped in Norway.
Production and use
PCB has been used in transformers and in
capacitors in electric appliances and as additive
in paint, sealants and concrete, as pesticides (no
known use in Norway), as heat transfer oils in
heat exchangers, as lubricants in vacuum pumps
and as plasticiser. It is estimated that 1185
tonnes of PCB have been imported, sold and
used in Norway. Import has been banned since
1980. Production was stopped in most
European countries around 1980. Some use of
existing products with PCB is banned from
2005 (capacitors, lightning fixtures). It is estimated
that about 280 tons is still in use in old
products (prior to 1980), and that 280 tons has
been destroyed per December 2004. PCB is a
trans-boundary pollutant. Norwegian Ministry
of Environment has published an action plan for
the reduction of PCB in St. meld. nr. 25 (2002-
2003). The ban on use of products with PCB
and regulations regarding dismantling of buildings
with PCB will cause more PCBs to be taken
out of use and destroyed.
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
High levels of PCB are found around certain old
industrial sites, on navy sites and shipyards,
around landfills and in marine sediments.
According to Norwegian Pollution Control
Authority, 397 tons has been landfilled, dumped
or otherwise leaked into the environment.
Emissions has dropped from 3,3 tons in 1995 to
0,8 tons in 2001. Discharges to water has
dropped from 0,03 tons in 1995 to about zero
in 2002.
PCB has been monitored in several programmes
and time trends exist.
Marine sediment
Several Norwegian harbours have high PCB
contamination.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
FACTS
Cas no.: 1336-36-3 (and several more)
Synonyms: Clophen, arochlor, 1,1 biphenyl, dikanol,
chlorextol, kanechlor, pyralene and many more.
Properties: Approx. 200 congeners of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB). These appear as oily liquids, white
crystalline solids and hard non-crystalline resins. PCB
has been manufactured for specific purposes, but
they may also form in incineration processes.
Toxic effects: PCB is acutely toxic to marine organisms
and carcinogenic to mammals. PCB damages
the immune, nervous and reproductive systems, and
causes damage to reproductive organs and is a possible
human carcinogen. PCB also inhibits learning
and development. PCB is on the EU list of substances
with documented endocrine-disrupting effects.
Log Kow: 6,34 (estimate)
Persistence: Classified as POP in Stockholm convention
Water solubility: 0,002 - 7,5 mg/l at 20 °C (depending
on isomer)
Molecular formula: C12- H (10-n) Cl
Metabolites: Phenolic products, methylthio derivative
Marine biota
15 harbours and fjords have restrictions on sales
and consumption of seafood due to PCB pollution.
General advice is given on consumption of
fish liver and gull eggs to the whole population
and on consumption of crabs to young women
and children.
Fresh water sediment
Several lakes are investigated. Tveitavann in
Bergen is strongly polluted. Other lakes close to
heavy industry and larger urban areas have
higher concentrations.
Fresh water biota
General advice to the population is not to use
burbot liver (Lota lota) from Furnesfjorden or
main basin Mjøsa, nor from Hurdalssjøen.
Trout (Salmo trutta) from Mjøsa and Vorma
should not be consumed more than once a
month, young women and children should
avoid it totally.