Document VjGJQx69zKnar9B0j7EpyewM8

Contact: J. P. Daley Telephone: (412) 2JJ-J36J FOR USE: At Will 4u fa * PITTSBURGH, Nov. 24 - Since the late 1930's, the electrical Industry bee supplied trenefornere using aakarela which contain PC8'a (polychlorinated blphenyle) for use In lnatallationa where a high degree of fire reeletance la required, euch aa sohoola, hospltale and high-rise buildings. In addition, wjor applicatione of PCB'a were carbonless paper, fire realetant hydraulic fluide, heat tranefer flulda and plasticizers. Moreover, capacitor# containing PCB'a are need in fluoreaoent lighting ballasts, air conditioning compressors, and telavlalon receivers. In late 1970 studies began to Indicate that PCB'a had a tendency to persist end accumulate In the environment. Since that tine, Westlnghouse hea attached an additional identifying label to each PCD-flllcd transformer shipped. Westlnghouse said recent tests It has conducted Indicate that some oll-fllled transformers may contain varying concentrations of PCB'a. The company said the presence of PCB's in mineral oil does not affect the performance of the transformers. - store - MOMS 064201 rCD' In Oil-Filled Transformers 2 Currently Ultra art no nationally established atandarda for allotablt levels of PCB'a In ell for eloaad altetrleal systems. A maabtr of aUtta have raeantly enacted legislation providing for apteial reporting, labeling and/or dlapoaltlon of PCB'a. Bteauaa ltglalatlon varlra In diffarent atataa, It la suggested that customers lnatltuta any apteial procedures thieh nay be required for conformance." '- In addition, when performing repair, routine maintenance or disposal, oil-filled transformers should be cheeked for the presence of PCS. On November 8, the National Eleetrlcal Manufacturers Association (NIMA) commissioned a special task force to study the poaelblllty that KB's may be present in detectable quantities in oil-filled electrical apparatus and oil-storage systems for eleetrlcal Insulating oil. HONS 062202