PCB congener list

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Congener List

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. The chemical structure of PCBs can vary widely with the number of chlorine atoms and their placement on the biphenyl rings, leading to 209 different possible congeners. PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment, heat exchangers, and as additives in paint, carbonless copy paper, and plastics. Due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential to cause adverse health effects, the production of PCBs was banned in the United States in 1979 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2001.

Classification of PCB Congeners

PCBs are classified based on the number of chlorine atoms present in the molecule, which can range from one to ten. This classification leads to the possibility of 209 different PCB congeners. The congeners are numbered according to the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature system.

Health Effects of PCBs

Exposure to PCBs can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals and are classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Other health effects include effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.

Environmental Impact

PCBs are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can remain in the environment for long periods. They can accumulate in the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in predator species, including humans. PCBs can also travel long distances from their source of release, leading to global distribution.

Regulation and Remediation

The production and use of PCBs have been restricted or banned in many countries due to their environmental and health impacts. Remediation of PCB-contaminated sites and proper disposal of PCB-containing materials are critical to reducing exposure risks.

List of PCB Congeners

The list of PCB congeners is extensive, with 209 possible congeners. Some of the most commonly studied and reported congeners include PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180. Each congener is identified by its IUPAC number, which indicates the positions of chlorine atoms on the biphenyl rings.

See Also

• Persistent Organic Pollutants
• Toxic Substances Control Act
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
• International Agency for Research on Cancer
• Bioaccumulation