Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that may be found in which electrical equipment?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that may be found in which electrical equipment?

• A. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• B. Lead
• C. Mercury
• D. Asbestos

Answer: (A)

Polychlorinated biphenyls were used as dielectric and coolant fluids in electrical equipment because of their stable, nonflammable insulating properties. This made old transformers and capacitors common places to find PCBs. Over time, PCBs were found to be toxic and environmentally persistent, leading to bans and strict handling rules for any equipment that may still contain them. So the equipment most likely to contain PCBs are older transformers and capacitors. Other listed substances—lead, mercury, and asbestos—are hazardous materials associated with different components (like solder or switches, or insulation in some cases) and are not the chemicals referred to here.

Polychlorinated biphenyls were used as dielectric and coolant fluids in electrical equipment because of their stable, nonflammable insulating properties. This made old transformers and capacitors common places to find PCBs. Over time, PCBs were found to be toxic and environmentally persistent, leading to bans and strict handling rules for any equipment that may still contain them. So the equipment most likely to contain PCBs are older transformers and capacitors. Other listed substances—lead, mercury, and asbestos—are hazardous materials associated with different components (like solder or switches, or insulation in some cases) and are not the chemicals referred to here.