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WHAT IS IT?

  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are toxic oils that were commonly used in the past in electrical installations, expansion joints or some paints.
     
  • Their properties:
    • great thermal and chemical stability,
    • good electrical insulation
    • plasticiser for expansion joints and some paints.
       
  • Problem: they are not biodegradable, they are bioaccumulating and toxic.
     
  • PCB has been prohibited in Switzerland:
    • since 1975 for expansion joints,
    • since 1986 for electrical equipment.
       
  • In Geneva, PCB is found in 70% of the prefabricated concrete buildings dating from 1955 to 1975.