By 1972, scientific evidence suggested PCBs pose a hazard to the environment and human health. Monsanto voluntarily stopped manufacturing PCBs in 1971, and production of PCBs in the United States was banned in 1977. Although PCB production ceased in 1971, some electrical equipment containing PCBs is still being used, said Alabama Power spokesman Buddy Eiland. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency authorizes the equipment to remain in service for the useful life of the equipment, Eiland said. The equipment is carefully monitored according to EPA protocol, he said.
Transformers have a very long useful life.
They present no danger, which is why EPA has authorized those to stay in service. They are contained, Eiland said. That s why our biggest issue is safety. PCBs are synthetic chemical compounds consisting of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. The compounds are formed when chlorine atoms bond with heat to a chemical compound reaction of benzene and biphenyls.