Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Learn about Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

On this page:


What Are PCBs?

PCBs are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine atoms. The number of chlorine atoms and their location in a PCB molecule determine many of its physical and chemical properties. PCBs have no known taste or smell, and range in consistency from an oil to a waxy solid.

PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until manufacturing was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including:

  • Electrical, heat transfer and hydraulic equipment
  • Plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products
  • Pigments, dyes and carbonless copy paper
  • Other industrial applications

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Commercial Uses for PCBs

Although no longer commercially produced in the United States, PCBs may be present in products and materials produced before the 1979 PCB ban. Products that may contain PCBs include:

  • Transformers and capacitors
  • Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets
  • Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems
  • Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors
  • Fluorescent light ballasts
  • Cable insulation
  • Thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork
  • Adhesives and tapes
  • Oil-based paint
  • Caulking
  • Plastics
  • Carbonless copy paper
  • Floor finish

The PCBs used in these products were chemical mixtures made up of a variety of individual chlorinated biphenyl components known as congeners. Most commercial PCB mixtures are known in the United States by their industrial trade names, the most common being Arochlor.

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Release and Exposure of PCBs 

Release and exposure of PCBs and use in the United States prior to the 1979 ban. Today, PCBs can still be released into the environment from:

  • Poorly maintained hazardous waste sites that contain PCBs
  • Illegal or improper dumping of PCB wastes
  • Leaks or releases from electrical transformers containing PCBs
  • Disposal of PCB-containing consumer products into municipal or other landfills not designed to handle hazardous waste
  • Burning some wastes in municipal and industrial incinerators

PCBs do not readily break down once in the environment. They can remain for long periods cycling between air, water and soil. PCBs can be carried long distances and have been found in snow and sea water in areas far from where they were released into the environment. As a consequence, they are found all over the world. In general, the lighter the form of PCB, the further it can be transported from the source of contamination.

PCBs can accumulate in the leaves and above-ground parts of plants and food crops. They are also taken up into the bodies of small organisms and fish. As a result, people who ingest fish may be exposed to PCBs that have bioaccumulated in the fish they are ingesting.

The National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducts the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). NHANES is a series of U.S. national surveys on the health and nutrition status of the noninstitutionalized civilian population, which includes data collection on selected chemicals.  Interviews and physical examinations are conducted with approximately 10,000 people in each two-year survey cycle. PCBs are one of the chemicals where data are available from the NHANES surveys.

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PCB Congeners

A PCB congener is any single, unique well-defined chemical compound in the PCB category. The name of a congener specifies the total number of chlorine substituents, and the position of each chlorine. For example: 4,4'-Dichlorobiphenyl is a congener comprising the biphenyl structure with two chlorine substituents - one on each of the #4 carbons of the two rings. In 1980, a numbering system was developed which assigned a sequential number to each of the 209 PCB congeners.

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PCB Homologs

Homologs are subcategories of PCB congeners that have equal numbers of chlorine substituents.  For example, the tetrachlorobiphenyls are all PCB congeners with exactly 4 chlorine substituents that can be in any arrangement.

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PCB Mixtures and Trade Names

With few exceptions, PCBs were manufactured as a mixture of individual PCB congeners. These mixtures were created by adding progressively more chlorine to batches of biphenyl until a certain target percentage of chlorine by weight was achieved.  Commercial mixtures with higher percentages of chlorine contained higher proportions of the more heavily chlorinated congeners, but all congeners could be expected to be present at some level in all mixtures.  While PCBs were manufactured and sold under many names, the most common was the Aroclor series.

Aroclor

Aroclor is a PCB mixture produced from approximately 1930 to 1979. It is one of the most commonly known trade names for PCB mixtures. There are many types of Aroclors and each has a distinguishing suffix number that indicates the degree of chlorination. The numbering standard for the different Aroclors is as follows:

  • The first two digits usually refer to the number of carbon atoms in the phenyl rings (for PCBs this is 12)
  • The second two numbers indicate the percentage of chlorine by mass in the mixture. For example, the name Aroclor 1254 means that the mixture contains approximately 54% chlorine by weight.  
  • Table of Aroclors

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PCB Trade Names

PCBs were manufactured and sold under many different names. The names in the following table have been used to refer to PCBs or to products containing PCBs. Please note:

  • Some of these names may be used for substances or mixtures not containing PCBs.
  • Many of these names were used with distinguishing suffixes, indicating degree of chlorination, type of formulation, or other properties (e.g., Aroclor 1254; Clophen A60).
  • Some of these names may be misspellings of the correct names, but are included here for completeness.
 

PCB Trade Names

 
Aceclor Diaclor PCB
Adkarel Dicolor PCB's
ALC Diconal PCBs
Apirolio Diphenyl, chlorinated Pheaoclor
Apirorlio DK Phenochlor
Arochlor Duconal Phenoclor
Arochlors Dykanol Plastivar
Aroclor Educarel Polychlorinated biphenyl
Aroclors EEC-18 Polychlorinated biphenyls
Arubren Elaol Polychlorinated diphenyl
Asbestol Electrophenyl Polychlorinated diphenyls
ASK Elemex Polychlorobiphenyl
Askael Elinol Polychlorodiphenyl
Askarel Eucarel Prodelec
Auxol Fenchlor Pydrau
Bakola Fenclor Pyraclor
Biphenyl, chlorinated Fenocloro Pyralene
Chlophen Gilotherm Pyranol
Chloretol Hydol Pyroclor
Chlorextol Hyrol Pyronol
Chlorinated biphenyl Hyvol Saf-T-Kuhl
Chlorinated diphenyl Inclor Saf-T-Kohl
Chlorinol Inerteen Santosol
Chlorobiphenyl Inertenn Santotherm
Chlorodiphenyl Kanechlor Santothern
Chlorphen Kaneclor Santovac
Chorextol Kennechlor Solvol
Chorinol Kenneclor Sorol
Clophen Leromoll Soval
Clophenharz Magvar Sovol
Cloresil MCS 1489 Sovtol
Clorinal Montar Terphenychlore
Clorphen Nepolin Therminal
Decachlorodiphenyl No-Flamol Therminol
Delor NoFlamol Turbinol
Delorene Non-Flamol  
  Olex-sf-d  
  Orophene  

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Health Effects of PCBs

PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. They have been shown to cause cancer in animals as well as a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including: effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans support evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs. The different health effects of PCBs may be interrelated. Alterations in one system may have significant implications for the other systems of the body. The potential health effects of PCB exposure are discussed in greater detail below.

  • Cancer

    PCBs are one of the most widely studied environmental contaminants. Many studies in animals and human populations have been performed to assess the potential carcinogenicity of PCBs. EPA's first assessment of PCB carcinogenicity was completed in 1987. At that time, data was limited to Aroclor 1260. In 1996, at the direction of Congress, EPA completed a reassessment of PCB carcinogenicity titled "PCBs:  Cancer Dose-Response Assessment and Application to Environmental Mixtures".  EPA's cancer reassessment reflected the Agency's commitment to the use of the best science in evaluating health effects of PCBs. The reassessment was peer reviewed by 15 experts on PCBs, including scientists from government, academia and industry. The peer reviewers agreed with EPA's conclusion that PCBs are probable human carcinogens.

    EPA uses an approach that permits evaluation of the complete carcinogenicity database, and allows the results of individual studies to be viewed in the context of all of the other available studies. Studies in animals provide conclusive evidence that PCBs cause cancer. Studies in humans raise further concerns regarding the potential carcinogenicity of PCBs. Taken together, the data strongly suggest that PCBs are probable human carcinogens.

    The cancer reassessment determined that PCBs are probable human carcinogens, based on the following information: 

    EPA reviewed all of the available literature on the carcinogenicity of PCBs in animals as an important first step in the cancer reassessment, which presented clear evidence that PCBs causes cancer in animals. An industry scientist commented that "all significant studies have been reviewed and are fairly represented in the document". An industry-sponsored peer-reviewed rat study, characterized as the "gold standard study" by one peer reviewer, demonstrated that every commercial PCB mixture tested caused cancer. The new studies reviewed in the PCB reassessment allowed EPA to develop more accurate potency estimates than previously available for PCBs. The reassessment provided EPA with sufficient information to develop a range of potency estimates for different PCB mixtures, based on the incidence of liver cancer and in consideration of the mobility of PCBs in the environment. 

    The reassessment resulted in a slightly decreased cancer potency estimate for Aroclor 1260 relative to the 1987 estimate due to the use of additional dose-response information for PCB mixtures and refinements in risk assessment techniques (e.g., use of a different animal-to-human scaling factor for dose). The reassessment concluded that the types of PCBs likely to be bioaccumulated in fish and bound to sediments are the most carcinogenic PCB mixtures. 

    In addition to the animal studies, a number of epidemiological studies of workers exposed to PCBs have been performed. Results of human studies raise concerns for the potential carcinogenicity of PCBs. Studies of PCB workers found increases in rare liver cancers and malignant melanoma. The presence of cancer in the same target organ (liver) following exposures to PCBs both in animals and in humans and the finding of liver cancers and malignant melanomas across multiple human studies adds weight to the conclusion that PCBs are probable human carcinogens. 

    Some of the studies in humans have not demonstrated an association between exposures to PCBs and disease. However, epidemiological studies share common methodological limitations that can affect their ability to discern important health effects (or define them as statistically significant) even when they are present. Often, the number of individuals in a study is too small for an effect to be revealed, or there are difficulties in determining actual exposure levels, or there are multiple confounding factors (factors that tend to co-occur with PCB exposure, including smoking, drinking of alcohol, and exposure to other chemicals in the workplace). Epidemiological studies may not be able to detect small increases in cancer over background unless the cancer rate following contaminant exposure is very high or the exposure produces a very unusual type of cancer. However, studies that do not demonstrate an association between exposure to PCBs and disease should not be characterized as negative studies. These studies are most appropriately viewed as inconclusive. Limited studies that produce inconclusive findings for cancer in humans do not mean that PCBs are safe. 

    It is very important to note that the composition of PCB mixtures changes following their release into the environment. The types of PCBs that tend to bioaccumulate in fish and other animals and bind to sediments happen to be the most carcinogenic components of PCB mixtures. As a result, people who ingest PCB-contaminated fish or other animal products and contact PCB-contaminated sediment may be exposed to PCB mixtures that are even more toxic than the PCB mixtures contacted by workers and released into the environment. 

    EPA's peer reviewed cancer reassessment concluded that PCBs are probable human carcinogens. EPA is not alone in its conclusions regarding PCBs. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared PCBs to be probably carcinogenic to humans. The National Toxicology Program has stated that it is reasonable to conclude that PCBs are carcinogenic in humans. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has determined that PCBs are a potential occupational carcinogen.

  • Non-Cancer Effects

    EPA evaluates all of the available data in determining the potential noncarcinogenic toxicity of environmental contaminants, including PCBs. Based on extensive studies conducted using environmentally relevant doses, EPA found clear evidence that PCBs have significant toxic effects in animals, including non-human primates. PCBs can affect an animal’s immune system, reproductive system, nervous system and endocrine system. The body's regulation of all of these systems is complex and interrelated. As a result, it is not surprising that PCBs can exert a multitude of serious adverse health effects.

  • Immune Effects

    The immune system is critical for fighting infections, and diseases of the immune system have very serious potential implications for the health of humans and animals. The immune effects of PCB exposure have been studied in Rhesus monkeys and other animals. It is important to note that the immune systems of Rhesus monkeys and humans are very similar. Studies in monkeys and other animals have revealed a number of serious effects on the immune system following exposures to PCBs: 

    • Significant decrease in size of the thymus gland, which is critical to the immune system in infant monkeys
    • Reductions in the response of the immune system following a challenge with sheep red blood cells. This is a standard laboratory test that determines the ability of an animal to mount a primary antibody response and develop protective immunity
    • Decreased resistance to Epstein-Barr virus and other infections in PCB-exposed animals

    Individuals with diseases of the immune system may be more susceptible to pneumonia and viral infections. The animal studies were not able to identify a level of PCB exposure that did not cause effects on the immune system. 

    In humans, a recent study found that individuals infected with Epstein-Barr virus had a greater association of increased exposures to PCBs. It also increased the risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma more than for those who had no Epstein-Barr infection. This finding is consistent with increases in infection with Epstein Barr virus in animals exposed to PCBs.

    Since PCBs suppress the immune system and immune system suppression has been demonstrated as a risk factor for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, suppression of the immune system is a possible mechanism for PCB-induced cancer. Immune effects were also noted in humans who experienced exposure to rice oil contaminated with PCBs, dibenzofurans and dioxins. 

    Taken together, the studies in animals and humans suggest that PCBs may have serious potential effects on the immune systems of exposed individuals. 

  • Reproductive Effects

    Reproductive effects of PCBs have been studied in a variety of animal species, including Rhesus monkeys, rats, mice and mink. Rhesus monkeys are generally regarded as the best laboratory species for predicting adverse reproductive effects in humans. Potentially serious effects on the reproductive system were seen in monkeys and a number of other animal species following exposures to PCB mixtures. Most significantly, PCB exposures were found to reduce the birth weight, conception rates and live birth rates of monkeys and other species; and PCB exposure reduced sperm counts in rats. Effects in monkeys were long lasting and were observed long after the dosing with PCBs occurred. 

    Studies of reproductive effects have also been carried out in human populations exposed to PCBs. Children born to women who worked with PCBs in factories showed decreased birth weight and a significant decrease in gestational age with increasing exposures to PCBs. Studies in fishing populations believed to have high exposures to PCBs also suggest similar decreases. This same effect was seen in multiple species of animals exposed to PCBs, and suggests that reproductive effects may be important in humans following exposures to PCBs. 

  • Neurological Effects

    Proper development of the nervous system is critical for early learning and can have potentially significant implications for the health of individuals throughout their lives. Effects of PCBs on nervous system development have been studied in monkeys and a variety of other animal species. Newborn monkeys exposed to PCBs showed persistent and significant deficits in neurological development, including visual recognition, short-term memory and learning. Some of these studies were conducted using the types of PCBs most commonly found in human breast milk. 

    Studies in humans have suggested effects similar to those observed in monkeys exposed to PCBs, including learning deficits and changes in activity associated with exposures to PCBs. The similarity in effects observed in humans and animals provide additional support for the potential neurobehavioral effects of PCBs.

  • Endocrine Effects

    There has been significant discussion and research on the effects of environmental contaminants on the endocrine system ("endocrine disruption"). While the significance of endocrine disruption as a widespread issue in humans and animals is a subject of ongoing study, PCBs have been demonstrated to exert effects on thyroid hormone levels in animals and humans. Thyroid hormone levels are critical for normal growth and development, and alterations in thyroid hormone levels may have significant implications. 

    It has been shown that PCBs decrease thyroid hormone levels in rodents. Research has also shown that these decreases result in developmental deficits in rodents, including deficits in hearing. PCB exposures have been associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels in infants in studies conducted in the Netherlands and Japan. Additional research will be required to determine the significance of these effects in the human population.

  • Other Non-cancer Effects

    A variety of other non-cancer effects of PCBs have been reported, including the following:

    • Dermal and ocular efffects in monkeys and humans
    • Liver toxicity in rodents
    • Elevated blood pressure, serum triglyceride and serum cholesterol in humans

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Laws and Regulations

Statute: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 provides EPA with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures, including PCBs.  Some substances are generally excluded from TSCA, including but not limited to, food, drugs, cosmetics and pesticides. TSCA addresses the production, importation, use and disposal of specific chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon and lead-based paint.  For more information see EPAs Summary of the Toxic Substance Control Act page.

PCB Regulations: Part 761 in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Current PCB regulations, published pursuant to the TSCA statute, can be found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in Part 761. The CFR is updated annually by July 1. The Government Printing Office maintains the most current version of the CFR. View PCB regulations as of July 1, 2014. For useful interpretation of the regulations as well as answers to frequently asked questions please visit EPAs Policy and Guidance for PCBs page.

Detailed List of PCB Federal Register Notices (As of September 6, 2012)

EPA publishes information about the PCB program through the Federal Register. The Federal Register Notices listed below include PCB-related rules (proposed and final), notices of public meetings, responses to official comments, etc. This is not a comprehensive list of current regulations. A searchable listing of EPA's Register Notices can be found on the Federal Digital System webpage.

  • View the List of Federal Register Notices that Pertain to PCBs

    Date

    Type

    Title

    Citation

    7/2/2015

    Technical  Amendment

    Revisions to PCB Manifesting Regulations (Technical Correction)

     80 FR 37994

    9/29/2014

    Final  Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Manufacturing (Import) Exemption

     79 FR 58266

    9/6/2012

    Direct Final  Rule

    Revisions to Manifesting Regulations

     77 FR 54818

    6/16/2010

    Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Reassessment of Use Authorizations; Extension of Comment Period and Additional Public Meetings

    75 FR 34076

    4/7/2010

    Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Reassessment of PCB Use Authorizations

    75 FR 17645

    1/29/2010

    Withdrawal of Proposed Rule

    EPA Withdraws Proposed Rule for an Import Exemption for Veolia ES Technical Solutions, L.L.C.

    75 FR 4759

    10/9/2007

    Procedural Rule

    Transfer of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Cleanup and Disposal Program from the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) (OPPTS renamed Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, OCSPP, effective April 22, 2010) to the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)

    72 FR 57235

    9/18/2007

    Final Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Manufacturing (Import) Exemption

    72 FR 53152 

    5/25/2007

    Notice of Application to Renew, Data Availability, and Modification of Existing Approval

    Army Chemical Agent Rocket Incinerator Approval to Dispose of Polychlorinated Biphenyls under the Toxic Substances Control Act

    72 FR 29317 

    4/30/2007

    Proposed Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Manufacturing (Import) Exemption

    72 FR 21190

    4/4/2006

    Notice of Availability

    Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Site Revitalization Guidance Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

    71 FR 16703

    6/30/2005

    Notice of Public Meeting

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls

    70 FR 37837 

    9/7/2004

    Availability of Supplemental Response to Comments Document

    Storage of PCB Articles for Reuse

    69 FR 54025 

    6/20/2003

    Final Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) - Use of Porous Surfaces, Amendment in Response to Court Decision

    68 FR 36927 

    1/31/2003

    Final Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Manufacturing (Import) Exemptions

    68 FR 4934

    9/17/2002

    Proposed Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Manufacturing (Import) Exemptions

    67 FR 58567

    4/2/2001

    Final Rule

    Reclassification of PCB and PCB-Contaminated Electrical Equipment

    66 FR 17602

    3/30/2001

    Final Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Return of PCB Waste From US Territories Outside the Customs Territory of the United States

    66 FR 17468

    11/1/2000

    Proposed Rule

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Return of PCB Waste From US Territories Outside the Customs Territory of the United States

    65 FR 65653

    4/6/2000

    Proposed Rule

    Use Authorization for and Distribution in Commerce of Non-Liquid Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Notice of Availability; Partial Reopening of the Comment Period; Extension of Comment Period

    65 FR 18018

    12/10/1999

    Proposed Rule

    Use Authorization for and Distribution in Commerce of Non-Liquid Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Notice of Availability; Partial Reopening of the Comment Period

    64 FR 69358

    6/24/1999

    Final Rule

    Technical and Procedural Amendments to TSCA Regulations - Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

    64 FR 33755

    6/29/1998

    Final Rule

    Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

    63 FR 35384

    3/18/1996

    Final Rule

    Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Import for Disposal

    61 FR 11095

    2/9/1995

    Notice of Informal Hearing

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing and Distribution in Commerce Exemptions

    60 FR 7742

    12/6/1994

    Proposed Rule

    Disposal of PCBs (Mega Amendments)

    59 FR 62788

    12/6/1994

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing and Distribution in Commerce; Proposed Decision on Exemption Petitions

    59 FR 62875

    4/11/1994

    Exemptions from Prohibition

    PCBs

    59 FR 16991

    11/18/1993

    Proposed Rule

    Reclassification of PCB and PCB-Contaminated Transformers

    58 FR 60970

    11/9/1993

    Criteria for Granting Approval for Commercial Storage of PCBs for Disposal

    58 FR 59372

    6/8/1993

    Use of Waste Oil

    58 FR 32061

    1/26/1993

    Proposed Rule

    Storage for Disposal of PCBs

    58 FR 6184

    4/16/1992

    Revision of Test Methods Incorporated by Reference

    57 FR 13322

    3/2/1992

    Proposed Rule

    PCB Exemptions and Use Authorizations

    57 FR 7349

    9/10/1991

    Receipt of Applications to Dispose of PCBs

    56 FR 46180

    6/10/1991

    Receipt of Application to Operate PCB Storage Facility

    56 FR 26673

    6/10/1991

    ANPR

    Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Disposal of PCBs

    56 FR 26738

    6/10/1991

    Availability of Draft Guidance Documents

    Availability of Draft Guidance on Disposal of PCBs

    56 FR 26745

    4/2/1991

    Availability of Draft Guidance Documents

    PCBs in Natural Gas Pipelines

    56 FR 13473

    3/4/1991

    Availability and Review of PCB State Enhancement Grant Program

    56 FR 9008

    3/1/1991

    Agency Information Collection Activities under OMB Review

    56 FR 8759

    2/13/1991

    Agency Information Collection Activities under OMB Review; PCB Exemptions - Annual Submission Requirements

    56 FR 5824

    12/27/1990

    Notice

    Agency Information Collection Activities under OMB Review

    55 FR 53187

    11/26/1990

    Final Rule

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    55 FR 49043

    11/7/1990

    Final Rule

    Partial Rescission of Exemption Rule

    55 FR 46790

    11/7/1990

    Proposed Rule

    Disposal Approval

    55 FR 46790

    11/2/1990

    Criteria and Procedures for Terminating Storage

    55 FR 46470

    10/31/1990

    Corrections

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    55 FR 45804

    9/24/1990

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce Technical Amendment

    55 FR 38998

    9/13/1990

    Final Rule

    Stay of Interpretation

    8/31/1990

    Receipt of application for Approval to Dispose of PCBs

    55 FR 35720

    6/27/1990

    Correction

    Notification and Manifesting for PCB Waste Activities

    55 FR 26204

    6/6/1990

    Receipt of Application for Approval to Dispose of PCBs

    55 FR 23134

    5/22/1990

    Final Rule

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce Exemption

    55 FR 21023

    4/13/1990

    Availability of PCB Penalty Policy

    55 FR 13955

    4/6/1990

    Clarification

    PCB; Wet Weight/Dry Weight

    55 FR 12866

    1/8/1990

    Correction

    Notification and Manifesting for PCB Waste Activities

    55 FR 695

    12/21/1989

    Final Rule

    Notification and Manifesting for PCB Waste Activities

    54 FR 52716

    9/12/1989

    Reopening of Comment Period

    PCB Exemptions

    54 FR 37698

    7/6/1989

    Correction

    PCB in Electrical Transformers

    54 FR 28418

    5/19/1989

    Final Rule

    Procedures for Rulemaking under Section 6 of TSCA

    54 FR 21622

    11/9/1988

    Extension of Comment Period

    Notification and Manifesting for PCB Waste Activities

    53 FR 45288

    10/28/1988

    Receipt of application for Approval to Dispose of PCBs

    53 FR 43767

    10/19/1988

    Amendment and Clarifications

    PCB Spill Cleanup Policy

    53 FR 40882

    9/26/1988

    Proposed Rule

    Notification and Manifesting for PCB Waste Activities

    53 FR 37436

    9/1/1988

    Correction

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    53 FR 33897

    8/24/1988

    Correction

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing and Distribution in Commerce Exemptions

    53 FR 32326

    8/2/1988

    PCB Exclusions, Exemptions and Use Authorizations; Correction

    53 FR 29114

    7/19/1988

    Final Rule

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    53 FR 27322

    7/1/1988

    Correction

    PCB and Chemical Fate Test Guidelines

    53 FR 25049

    6/27/1988

    Final Rule

    Exclusion, Exemptions and Use Authorizations

    53 FR 24206

    6/9/1988

    Final Rule

    PCB and Chemical Fate Testing Guidelines; Incorporation by Reference Update

    53 FR 21641

    5/25/1988

    Receipt of Application for Approval to Dispose of PCBs

    53 FR 18900

    5/18/1988

    Notice of Receipt of Application

    Receipt of Application for Approval to Dispose of PCBs

    53 FR 11761

    4/5/1988

    Proposed Revisions of Incorporation by Reference

    PCB and Chemical Fate Testing Guidelines

    53 FR 11104

    3/31/1988

    PCB and Chemical Fate Testing Guidelines, Reapproved Test Methods

    53 FR 10390

    9/18/1987

    Corrections

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    52 FR 35350

    9/4/1987

    Corrections

    PCBs; Exclusions, Exemptions and Use Authorizations

    52 FR 33680

    8/21/1987

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    52 FR 31738

    7/8/1987

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs; Exclusions, Exemptions and Use Authorizations

    52 FR 25838

    7/2/1987

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    PCBs

    52 FR 25068

    6/19/1987

    Corrections

    PCB Spill Cleanup Policy

    52 FR 23397

    4/2/1987

    Final Rule

    PCB Spill Cleanup Policy

    52 FR 10688

    1/9/1987

    Response to Citizens' Petition

    PCBs

    52 FR 862

    12/8/1986

    Clarification of the Use of Electrical Transformers

    59 FR 47241

    8/8/1986

    Final Rule

    Response to Exemption Petitions

    51 FR 28556

    8/29/1985

    Denial of Exemption Petition

    Response to Exemptions Petitions; Proposed Rule and Response to Ward Transfer Co. Petition for Exemption

    50 FR 35182

    7/17/1985

    Final Rule

    PCBs in Electrical Transformers

    50 FR 29170

    4/4/1985

    Proposed Incorporation by Reference Revision

    PCBs

    50 FR 13393

    2/8/1985

    Extension of Comment Period

    PCBs; Use in Electrical Transformers

    50 FR 5401

    11/28/1984

    Correction

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in Electrical Transformers

    49 FR 46770

    11/8/1984

    Modification of Definition of Totally Enclosed Manner for PCB Activities

    49 FR 44634

    10/11/1984

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in Electrical Transformers

    49 FR 39966

    9/19/1984

    Incorporation by Reference

    PCBs

    49 FR 36648

    8/20/1984

    Correction

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions, Exclusions, Exemptions and Use Authorizations

    49 FR 33019

    7/23/1984

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs, Modification of Definition of Totally Enclosed Manner for PCB Activities

    49 FR 29625

    7/18/1984

    Technical Amendment

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions

    49 FR 29066

    7/18/1984

    Editorial Amendment of Definition Correction

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions

    49 FR 29066

    7/10/1984

    PCBs; Final Rules and Notice of Request for Additional Comments on Certain Individuals and Class Petitions for Exemption

    49 FR 28154

    7/10/1984

    Exclusions and Authorizations

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions

    49 FR 28172

    7/10/1984

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in Microscopy and Research and Development

    49 FR 28193

    7/10/1984

    PCBs; Request for Additional Comments on Certain Individual Class Petitions for Exemptions

    49 FR 28203

    6/20/1984

    Editorial Amendment of Definition

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions

    49 FR 25239

    6/1/1984

    Proposed Incorporation by Reference Revision

    PCBs

    49 FR 22836

    3/22/1984

    ANPR

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in Electrical Transformers

    49 FR 11070

    3/19/1984

    PCBs; Withdrawal of Proposed Rule Prohibitions at Agricultural Chemical Facilities

    49 FR 10133

    1/13/1984

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions

    49 FR 1697

    12/8/1983

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs, Exclusions, Exemptions and Use Authorizations

    48 FR 55076

    11/23/1983

    Correction

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce Exemptions

    48 FR 52953

    11/17/1983

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in Microscopy and Research and Development

    48 FR 52402

    11/17/1983

    TSCA Statement of Policy for Compliance and Enforcement of PCB Storage for Disposal Regulations

    48 FR 52304

    11/1/1983

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce Exemptions

    48 FR 50486

    5/10/1983

    Notice of Availability and Summary Report

    Availability of Report; Monitoring Results and Environmental Impact on the Gulf of Mexico Incineration of PCBs under Research Permit H81-002; 4/83

    48 FR 20984

    4/20/1983

    Denial of Citizens' Petition; Rule Related Notice

    PCBs; Manufacturing Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions

    48 FR 16884

    4/7/1983

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Incorporation by Reference Revisions; Correction; Final Rule; Correction (corrects "batch testing" procedures of FR 2/8/83)

    48 FR 15125

    3/30/1983

    Procedural Rule Amendment and Statement of Policy

    PCBs; Procedural Amendment of the Approval Authority for PCB Disposal Facilities and Guidance for Obtaining Approval

    48 FR 13181

    2/18/1983

    Statement of Policy

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    48 FR 7172

    2/8/1983

    Final Rule

    PCB Incorporation by Reference Revisions

    48 FR 5729

    2/1/1983

    Correction

    PCB Manufacture, Processing, Distribution and Use in Closed and Controlled Waste Manufacturing Processes

    48 FR 4467

    1/3/1983

    Final Rule

    Use Authorization for PCB Railroad Transformers

    48 FR 124

    12/28/1982

    Correction

    NIOSH/OSHA: Field Research Projects

    47 FR 57774

    12/28/1982

    Correction

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    47 FR 54436

    12/28/1982

    Pulp, Paper and Paperboards Point Source Category Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards; Proposed Regulation (Clean Water Act)

    47 FR 52066

    12/28/1982

    Proposed Rule

    Ocean Dumping; Proposed Designation of At-Sea Incineration Site

    47 FR 51769

    12/28/1982

    Final Rule

    PCB Manufacture, Processing, Distribution and Use in Closed and Controlled Waste Manufacturing Processes

    47 FR 46980

    12/28/1982

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    PCB Regulation of MCBs and DCBs

    47 FR 46723

    12/28/1982

    Final Rule

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    47 FR 37342

    12/28/1982

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    PCB Regulations of MCBs

    47 FR 37258

    7/13/1982

    Extension of Comment Period

    PCB Incorporation by Reference Revisions

    47 FR 30270

    7/13/1982

    Notice of Availability of Guidelines for the Analysis of PCBs

    47 FR 30082

    7/13/1982

    Notice of Informal Hearing

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use in Closed and Controlled Waste Manufacturing Process

    47 FR 30082

    7/13/1982

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use in Closed and Controlled Waste Manufacturing Process

    47 FR 24976

    7/13/1982

    Final Rule

    PCB Incorporation by Reference Update

    47 FR 22098

    7/13/1982

    Proposed Rule

    PCB Incorporation by Reference Revisions

    47 FR 22123

    7/13/1982

    Final Rule

    PCB Recodification

    47 FR 19526

    7/13/1982

    Proposed Rule

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    47 FR 17426

    7/13/1982

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    PCB Disposal and Research and Development Activities

    47 FR 2379

    11/18/1981

    Proposed Rule

    Use Authorization for PCB Railroad Transformers

    46 FR 56626

    5/20/1981

    Clarification of Interim Measures Program

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    46 FR 27614

    5/20/1981

    Court Order

    PCBs at Concentrations Below 50 ppm

    46 FR 27615

    5/20/1981

    ANPR

    PCBs at Concentrations Below 50 ppm; Possible Exclusion from Manufacturing Ban

    46 FR 27617

    5/20/1981

    ANPR

    PCBs at Concentrations Below 50 ppm

    46 FR 27619

    5/6/1981

    Abeyance of Proposed Rule

    Restrictions on Use of PCBs at Agricultural Pesticide and Fertilizer Facilities

    46 FR 25418

    3/10/1981

    Court Order

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    46 FR 16090

    3/10/1981

    ANPR

    PCB Use in Electrical Equipment

    46 FR 16095

    12/23/1980

    Extension of Comment Period

    Restrictions on Use of PCBs at Agricultural Pesticide and Fertilizer Facilities

    45 FR 84828

    12/4/1980

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    Use of PCBs in Floor Sweep Compounds

    45 FR 80320

    10/28/1980

    Extension of Comment Period; Announcement of Informal Public Meeting

    Restrictions on Use of PCBs at Agricultural Pesticide and Fertilizer Facilities

    45 FR 71364

    9/10/1980

    Policy Guidelines

    PCB Penalty Policy

    45 FR 59790

    7/14/1980

    Extension of Comment Period

    Restrictions on Use of PCBs at Agricultural Pesticide and Fertilizer Facilities

    45 FR 47168

    5/9/1980

    Proposed Rule

    Restrictions on Use of PCBs at Agricultural Pesticide and Fertilizer Facilities

    45 FR 30989

    5/1/1980

    Expiration of the Open Border Policy for PCB Disposal

    45 FR 29115

    4/16/1980

    Extension of Comment Period

    Request for Information on PCB Transformers (published 3/5/80)

    45 FR 25828

    3/28/1980

    Final Amendment

    Disposal Requirements for PCB Capacitors in Chemical Waste Landfills

    45 FR 20473

    3/5/1980

    Policy Statement on Future Exemption Petitions

    45 FR 14247

    3/5/1980

    Request for Information on PCB Transformers ("Weeping" or "Sweating")

    45 FR 14232

    11/29/1979

    Proposed Amendment Clarification

    PCB Hydraulic Machines

    44 FR 68489

    11/21/1979

    Proposed Amendment

    Disposal Requirements for Large PCB Capacitors in Chemical Waste Landfills

    44 FR 66851

    10/2/1979

    Proposed Rule and Interim Guidance

    Notification of Export of PCBs;

    44 FR 56856

    9/19/1979

    Disposal Requirements; Immediately Effective Amendment to the 5/31/79 Final Rule Comment Period

    44 FR 54296

    7/20/1979

    Notice of Additional Petitions and Extensions of Reply Comment

    PCBs; Manufacturing Exemptions

    44 FR 42727

    7/9/1979

    Denial of Citizens' Petition

    Disposal of PCB Contaminated Soil and Debris

    44 FR 40132

    5/31/1979

    Proposed Rule

    Amendment to Criteria for Chemical Waste Landfills

    44 FR 31567

    5/31/1979

    Proposed Rule

    Manufacturing Exemptions

    44 FR 31564

    5/31/1979

    Interim Procedural Rules for Exemptions from the PCB Processing and Distribution in Commerce Bans PCBs;

    44 FR 31558

    5/31/1979

    Final Rule

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Bans

    44 FR 31514

    3/12/1979

    Citizens' Petition

    Disposal of PCB Contaminated Soil and Debris

    44 FR 13575

    1/2/1979

    Policy for Implementation and Enforcement of PCB Ban Rule

    44 FR 108

    11/1/1978

    Interim Procedural Rules for Exemptions from PCB Manufacturing Ban

    43 FR 50905

    9/22/1978

    Extension of Reply Comment Period

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Bans

    43 FR 43048

    8/25/1978

    Clarification

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Bans

    43 FR 38057

    8/2/1978

    PCB Addendum to Preamble and Correction to Final Rule published 2/17/78

    43 FR 33918

    6/7/1978

    Proposed Rule

    PCBs; Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Bans

    43 FR 24802

    2/17/1978

    Final Rule

    PCBs; Marking and Disposal

    43 FR 7150

    12/2/1977

    Final Rule

    Procedures for Rulemaking under Section 6 of TSCA

    42 FR 61259

    6/27/1977

    Solicitation of Comments

    PCB Open Public Meeting;

    42 FR 32555

    5/24/1977

    Proposed Rule

    PCB Marking and Disposal

    42 FR 26564

    4/1/1976

    PCB Containing Waste; Disposal Procedures

    41 FR 14133


Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Revisions to Manifesting Regulations 

EPA updated and clarified several sections of the PCB regulations associated with the manifesting requirements. This was done to the greatest extent possible to match the manifesting requirements for PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to those of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

The docket for this rulemaking is EPA-HQ-RCRA-2011-0524 and can be accessed at Regulations.gov

The comment period closed November 5, 2012. No adverse comments on the rule were received, so the direct final rule took effect December 5, 2012.

Frequent Questions about Revisions to Manifesting Regulations 

  • Why has EPA developed these changes?

EPA issued this direct final rule to update and clarify several sections of the PCB regulations associated with manifesting requirements. This update streamlined regulations for the safe management of PCBs making it easier for industry to understand and follow PCB manifest regulations. Specifically, this update matches the manifesting requirements for PCBs under the TSCA to those of RCRA to the greatest extent possible.

  • What new regulations are involved in this change?

The existing PCB manifest regulations are in 40 CFR part 761. The RCRA manifest regulations are in 40 CFR parts 262, 263, and 264. Since the promulgation of the PCB manifest regulations, several updates have been made to the RCRA manifest regulations where the corresponding changes have not been made to the PCB manifest regulations. The intent of these changes is to align the manifesting requirements for PCBs with the RCRA hazardous waste requirements. These changes are necessary because PCB wastes are manifested using the RCRA Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. PCB waste handlers and generators must also adhere to the more recent RCRA hazardous waste manifest regulations, while still accounting for certain unique PCB manifest regulations. Since PCBs are manifested using the same manifest as RCRA hazardous waste, all changes to part 761 are being implemented by PCB waste handlers and generators. This does not include the exemption to manifest waste transported on a right-of-way (40 CFR 262.20(f)).

  • What RCRA manifest regulatory requirements do not exist in the PCB manifest regulations?

EPA compared the PCB manifest regulations (40 CFR part 761) to the RCRA manifest regulations (40 CFR parts 262, 263, and 264) to determine which sections from the RCRA manifest regulations do not exist in the PCB manifest regulations. Below is a table of the regulations from 40 CFR parts 262-264 EPA is adding to 40 CFR part 761 where the content of the section will be new to 40 CFR part 761. Like the other changes in this rule, explanations for the changes below are included in the subsequent sections in this direct final rule. In addition to this direct final rule, EPA will include in the docket a crosswalk between the RCRA manifest regulations and the PCB manifest regulations.

40 CFR Section Brief Description of RCRA Regulation
262.20(c) Designating an alternate facility on the manifest
262.20(f) Manifesting exemption for the transport of waste on a public or private right-of-way within or along the border of contiguous property
262.23(f) Generator requirements for rejected shipments returned by the receiving facility back to the generator. (Language on non-empty containers and residues is not relevant to PCB waste.)
262.40(b) Three-year exception report retention requirement for generators
263.21(a)(2) Alternate designated facility is listed as one of the options that the transporter must deliver the waste to
263.21(b)(2) Partial and full load rejection requirements if the waste is rejected while the transporter is on the facility’s premises
264.71(a)(1) Facility signs and dates the manifest when the waste was received, except as noted in the discrepancy space of the manifest, or when the waste was rejected as noted in the manifest discrepancy space
264.72(a)(2) Definition of rejected wastes as manifest discrepancies
264.72(d) Upon rejecting waste, the facility must consult with the generator prior to forwarding the waste to another facility.  The facility must send the waste to another facility or back to the generator within 60 days of the rejection.  While making arrangements for the rejected waste, the facility must ensure that the transporter retains custody or the facility provides secure, temporary custody of the waste.
264.72(e) Facility requirements for preparing a new manifest for full or partial load rejections that are to be sent off-site to an alternate facility
264.72(f) Facility requirements for preparing a new manifest for rejected wastes that must be sent back to the generator
264.72(g) Facility requirements for amending the manifest for rejected wastes after the facility has signed, dated, and returned the manifest to the delivering transporter or to the generator
264.76(a)(6) Report on un-manifested waste must include the certification signed by the owner, operator, or authorized representative of the facility

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