PCB in brief
Ninety years ago, PCB did not exist on planet earth. Today, traces of the substance can be found in the soil, on the seabed, in plants, animals and humans all over the world. PCB is a group of industrial chemicals developed in the 1920s. Because of its unique properties, it was used in a number of products designed to improve the living standard after WWII. These products - including self-copying paper, electronic equipment, construction materials and more - emitted PCB when in use. When discarded, the products became a permanent source of pollution.

Harmful effects
PCB is a slow-working toxin, which, to animals, increases the risk of damage to skin, digestive system, liver, lungs, nervous system, reproductive system (feminisation, abortion and stillbirth) and immune system. It also increases the risk of cancer. In humans, PCB has been proven to cause skin damage, increased risk of cancer, damage to the immune system, as well as reproductive and neurological disturbances. PCB is stored in the body‘s fatty tissue. As it is broken down very slowly, it is likely to stay in the body until the person dies. It is a tragic fact that women pass on PCB to their babies through the fat in the placenta and in breast milk. There are indications that embryos and breast-fed babies take in higher levels of PCB (measured against body weight) than adults.

PCB in Norway
Norway has been severely affected by PCB pollution for several reasons:
1. The cold and damp climate has led to widespread use of PCB in construction materials such as isolation glass and grouting. These products were dumped on regular rubbish tips, creating an active source of pollution.
2. Several Norwegian fjords are polluted because of emissions from shipyards, industrial activities and waste grounds.
3. Norway‘s northern location means it is susceptible to long-distance pollution via air and sea currents.

What is being done?
Norway faces major challenges from both new and old sources of pollution. With regards to current pollution, PCB has been banned since 1980. As PCB still exists in numerous products, problems still arise when these products are phased out and become waste. Legislation is forcing several electrical products such as transformers and condensers to be replaced. Light fittings predating 1980 and containing PCB will be replaced by the end of 2007. Older isolation glazing is unfortunately still in use. Despite a collection system set up to deal with this waste, PCB in isolation glass remains a major source of pollution. Existing sources of pollution are present both on land and in the water. Norwegian fjords are exposed to drainage from waste dumps and industrial sites. Old shipyards still store large amounts of PCB created by the sand blasting of ships. Sea farming is an important industry in Norway and the levels of PCB in fish and seafood are disturbingly high in several locations along the coastline.

PCB-Sanering AS
This website is operated by the company PCB-Sanering AS. The company was established in 1998 to help prevent PCB from entering the food chain. The firm focuses on three main areas:
1. Waste handling and re-use
This involves collecting, storing and disposing of isolation glass containing PCB. A patented method is used to remove the toxic edges of the glass from the uncontaminated part, thereby reducing the amount of waste created. Glass panes are either reused or recycled.
2. Information
The company has carried out a number of information projects such as courses, consultations and the launch of the website www.pcb.no. A number of these initiatives have been carried out in collaboration with the Norwegian environmental authorities.
3. Advice
The company advices the authorities and industry on the handling of PCB with particular focus on construction waste.

About this site
PCB.no is a website set up to stop the spread of PCB. Dealings with the waste disposal and construction industries have revealed a serious need for information and advice and in the autumn of 2000, it was decided to start work on a website with information about the toxin. The website was launched on 5 March 2001 and has become Scandinavia‘s leading online resource for information on PCB.

Contact
PCB-Sanering AS
Engenevn 7,
N-3475 Saetre
Norway
Tel +47 32792890 Fax +47 32802805
E-mail pcb-sanering@pcb.no