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Conference to Raise Awareness of PCB Disclosure and Disposal

Release Date: 04/02/2009
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 /[email protected]

PHILADELPHIA (April 2, 2009) -- Does your company own and operate electronic equipment that contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including transformers? Are you in compliance with PCB environmental regulations? Are you looking for ways to reduce PCBs?

The PCB Challenge Conference on May 7, 2009, hosted by EPA’s mid-Atlantic region, will provide the information you need to answer all of your questions about PCBs. Conference speakers will include EPA staff experienced in PCB regulatory issues, private environmental attorneys, and industry experts.

The PCB Challenge Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency, 201 Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. (on Penn’s Landing) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The forum will provide information on a variety of PCB-related topics including the hazards of PCBs and failing PCB equipment; how firms may qualify for penalty mitigation; the benefits of voluntary disclosure; management and proper disposal methods; sustainability beyond PCBs; and partnering with EPA. EPA staff will be available for one-on-one sessions to assist participants in identifying opportunities for PCB reduction or elimination.

PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. 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; as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; in pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper; and many other industrial applications.

PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until their manufacture was banned in 1978. However, the ban did not prohibit the use of PCB containing items manufactured prior to the ban, including the use of PCB transformers.

PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects in animals. Studies in humans provide supportive evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs.

To register for the PCB Challenge Forum or for more information, contact Sharon D. Kenny, Environmental Engineer, who is the program developer of the PCB Challenge, at 215-814-3417 or [email protected] or go to: www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/wmconference.htm.