PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

1. Also known as Aroclor, PCBs is strictly a man-made mixture of various chemicals that is no longer produced in the United States. This mixture is either an oily liquid or solid that is colorless to light yellow in color with no odor or taste. PCBs can also take the form of a vapor in air.

2. First produced in 1929, PCBs were used in dielectric fluid for electrical equipment. It was also used in many products such as hydraulic fluid, casting wax, plasticizer, compressors, and vacuum pumps.

3. In 1977, PCBs were no longer manufactured in the United States after evidence of harmful health effects.

4. PCBs can be released into the environment from hazardous waste sites, leaks from old electrical transformers, and illegal or improper disposal of consumer products.

5. Exposure to large amounts of PCBs can cause skin conditions such as acne and rashes. Chronic exposure may lead to liver damage.

6. Austin Air filters have a high capacity for this particular substance and will provide a good service adsorbing PCBs from the environment.