Document vVRyxpG2q4bJJJ1vkd5Xx8pgY

o February P, 197? S i t - 7</7 -33*// ? i\ * 17 Dr. A. Pooefeky 5`i 8 - 7 ci Z ~ LtS'?5 Industrial end Power Capacitor Prod acta Department General Electric Cotaoony John Street Hudson Fells. Hew York 1?839 l^vy><- Mr. E. t. Bneb Distribution Transformer Department General Electric Company 109 Wood Lava Avenue Pittsfield, Massachusetts OlPOl Gentlemen} Attached 1c s Question and Answer H a t for responding to PCD inquiries which I offered to moil to you at our December 10th ANSI C-107 meeting. 1 recognise thst the list la not complete but I hope It will serve as a good atert.with further addition* made by your respective committees. Should any help be required , from Monsanto In responding to additional questions, please let me know. Sincerely, V. B. Papegeorge Manager, Environmental Protection A ig attachment D cct Messrs t A. M. Salaaar P. 0* Bonlgnue Questions and Answers For ANSI pea vJ) 1. Quectlon What is PCB? Answer PCB ere Initials which stand for polychlorinated biphenyl, PCB Is e family of chlorinated hydrocarbons which have long been used as a ftre-roc latent safety fluid In electrical components.' ?. Qy;estlon Is PCB In Aakarel? Answer AeKorel te a generic name for the PCB-containtnn fluids used In electrical trancformer and capacitors. Individual electrical equipment manufacturer have different trade names which describe .their specific fluid. 3. Question Explain the current environmental flap over PCB* Anewer In the Id-CO'a, scientific Instruments became aoohistlcated to the point where perts-ner-mllllon or even oorts-per-bllllon of substance could be detected In the environment. Swedish scientists, looking for DDT. encountered "interferrlng substances" In their laboratory analyses. These substances they identified as PCB* Subsequently other scientists in other porta of the world looked for and found PCB In 0 variety of samples; thus loading to the conclusion that PCB exists In the worldwide environment. Ol**91 H* 734652 PCS Questions and Answers For ANSI ? It* Cues tIon How does PCB get Into the environment? Answer Probably through Iraorooer handling, use end disoocftl. A frecuently cited accident occurred In Japan in 1008 when PCB leaked into rice oil which the Japanese use for cooking, Levels in the oil reached P,000 to $t00Q perts-per-mllllon. However, It should be cmnhasited thet when properly handled, used end disposed of, PCB can be as safe to use es any other chemical -- many of which are much more dangerous than PCB. *>, Ouectlon Is PCB toxic? Answer Toxicity Is a relative terra. Rome studies have shown It is toxic to certain snecles of birds and fish. More important, PCB is a persistant chemical which builds up in the environ ment. It, therefore, should not be allowed to escape to the environment 6. Question Does PCB cause birth defects? Answer Again, some studies have shown it can be detreraentol to the reproductive cycles of certain species of wildlife* NEV 024598 734653 PCB Pupations end Anftvers For ANSI 3 7. Question Xe the public In any immediate dangert Answer The Federal Government at a preaa conference In September, 1971, ateted emphatically that the nubile woa In no danger from prooent levels of PCB now In the environment* They aaid proper eteno were being taken to reduce further escape of PCB which would ultimately reduce even the low levels currently being found In the environment. 8 Quofttlon, How can PCB be disposed of? Anrwer Under high temperature, controlled lncineretlon, PCB break down into hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide and voter. Thera are three commercial incinerators In the United States which can handle dleo^sel of uaed fluids. Contact your supplier for Informstion about returning uaed fluids for proper disposal. VBP P/P/7P ^34654