An unexpected source of PCB
US researchers suggest that old wood floor finishes may be an overlooked source of the environmental pollutants polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
A small study, published recently in the online journal Environmental Health, suggests that old wood floor finishes may be an overlooked source of the environmental pollutants polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).1
Polychlorinated biphenyls are persistent organic pollutants. They accumulate in the food chain and have been identified worldwide as human blood and breast milk contaminants. They were widely used in industry as cooling and insulating fluids for electrical equipment as well as in construction and domestic products, such as varnishes and caulks. PCBs were banned in the 1970s because of their high toxicity.
Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.
Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access
Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.
Get all this, plus much more:
- unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
- teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
- applications for funding to support your lessons
Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.
Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.