What are PCB’s PCB’s are polychlorinated biphenyls, which are a group of manufactured organic chemicals. Contains 209 individual chlorinated chemicals (congeners) PCB’s are formed from electrophilic chlorination of biphenyl with chlorine gas. PCBs are odorless, tasteless, clear/yellow.

Where do they come from? No natural source of PCBs, manufactured industrial… …insulating fluids, coolants, transformer oil, used in paint/cement, coatings of electrical wiring/electrical components, pesticides, flame retardants, lubricating oil, sealants, adhesives, paints, waterproofing,

Hudson River & PCB’s From there was about 1,300,000 pounds of PCB’s released into the Hudson River by GE (General Electric). Fishing was banned in 1976, because the fish and other organisms in the Hudson were contaminated with the toxins. ROD was issued for the River in 2002 to clean up of the toxins in the river. The process used was called dredging, which cleaned the soil at the bottom of the river. There as been a tremendous change to the PCB levels in the Hudson. There will be a second phase of cleanup for the Hudson that’s estimated to take 5-7 years to complete

Risks Contaminated fish with PCBs that humans consume can lead to low birth weight, thyroid disease, low ability to fight infections, and learning and memory immune system disorders. Impairment The fish and river organism’ health’s are also at risk as well. PCBs not only cause cancer in humans, but they cause cancer in animals too. PCB’s are human carcinogens that cause cancer and among other diseases. PCB’s are considered a endocrine disrupter, and effect thyroid hormone levels, which effect growth development.

Works Cited Habeck, Michael. "PCBs." Eco-USA Web. 17 Nov "Hudson River PCBs | Riverkeeper." Riverkeeper - NY's Clean Water Advocate. Web. 17 Nov "Human Health Hazards - PCBs and Your Health." Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 12 July Web. 17 Nov