PCB remediation aims to remove or neutralize hazardous polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from contaminated sites. PCBs were widely used before their harmful effects were recognized, and exposure has been linked to health problems. Remediation involves testing, removal or sterilization of contaminated materials, and can involve chemical or microbial treatment or destruction.
PCB remediation is a form of environmental cleanup designed to remove or neutralize polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of chemicals thought to be hazardous to human and environmental health. PCBs were introduced in 1929 and used extensively in the second half of the 20th century before people began to recognize that they were extremely harmful. PCB manufacturing was banned in 2012. PCB remediation can involve environmental cleanup at a site known to be contaminated, removal of contaminated materials at a site that used to use PCBs, or spill containment.
This chemical is viscous and very sticky, with a yellowish color and no odor or taste. PCB can accumulate easily in soil and penetrate a wide variety of barriers, including some types of protective clothing. Exposure to PCBs has been linked to the development of birth defects and a wide variety of other health problems, making cleanup and containment of this chemical a concern in many regions of the world where PCBs have been produced or used.
Before people realized how harmful PCBs were, many companies were releasing them freely into the environment. Electric utilities, for example, discharged copious amounts into nearby rivers and streams. Early attempts at proper disposal such as landfilling also proved problematic, as few landfills were equipped to contain PCBs, which meant contamination occurred both at the original site of use and in remote locations. The goal of PCB repair is to remove the PCB from vulnerable environments and ensure it is handled and disposed of properly.
Some sites are known sources of PCB contamination, while others may be suspected. The first step in PCB remediation is usually testing to determine the extent of the contamination, find out where it is concentrated, and locate the source if possible. Then, contaminated materials must be removed or sterilized. Equipment, for example, can be sterilized during PCB remediation, while contaminated soil can be dug up and backfilled with clean soil.
Remediation can involve chemical or microbial treatment of a site, with chemicals or microbes that break down the PCB so that it is no longer harmful. Destruction can also be accomplished by various treatment methods, including exposure to very high heat. Under certain circumstances, contamination can also be left in situ and closed. When cleaning the PCB, the repair services want to avoid creating another problem; for example, incomplete combustion can lead to the formation of dioxins, another contaminant of concern.
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