Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Another Long-Life Widespread Chemical in the Environment

Abstract

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are discussed with reference to their structural and physical properties, uses, analytical methodology (i.e., identification, separation, quantitation, and possible magnitude of error), toxicity (acute single dose, chronic feeding, and sublethal effects), presence and biological magnification in the ecosystem, ratio to DDT residue levels, and significance of current residue levels.