Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)

Definition

PCBs are a group of synthetic chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment, such as transformers and capacitors, until they were banned due to their toxicity. They are persistent pollutants that can contaminate air, water, soil, and food sources.

Analogy

Think of PCBs as sneaky spies infiltrating our environment. Just like spies gather information covertly, PCBs silently spread throughout ecosystems without being easily detected.

Related terms

Endocrine Disruptors: Chemical substances that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in living organisms.

E-waste: Electronic waste generated from discarded electronic devices containing hazardous materials like PCBs.

Remediation: The process of cleaning up or restoring contaminated sites to make them safe for human health and the environment.