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.

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