PCBs were widely used as a fire preventive and insulator in the manufacture of transformers and capacitors because of their ability to withstand exceptionally high temperatures.
Research also links PCB exposure to developmental problems.
More information can be found on health advisories by clicking the button below. There are 209 varieties of PCBs, known individually as congeners. This analysis allows us to see distinct PCB patterns or signatures in the environment which can identify PCB source material and the likely source area as well as the degree and type of subsequent alteration, which may occur over time. PCBs may undergo dechlorination, which is the process of removing chlorine atoms from a PCB molecule while leaving the main molecular structure intact. In the Hudson, this only affects the outer chlorine atoms.