First Zürich World Health Treaty (A better world TL)

==The chemical involved==
A polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is an organic chlorine compound with the formula C12H10−xClx. Polychlorinated biphenyls were once widely deployed as dielectric and coolant fluids in electrical apparatus, carbonless copy paper and in heat transfer fluids. Because of their longevity, PCBs are still widely in use, even though their manufacture has declined drastically since the 1960s, when a host of problems were identified. Because of PCBs' environmental toxicity and classification as a persistent organic pollutant, PCB production was banned by the United States Congress in 1977 and by the Second Zürich World Health Treaty in 1978. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), rendered PCBs as definite carcinogens in humans. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PCBs cause cancer in animals and are probable human carcinogens. Many rivers and buildings including schools, parks, and other sites are contaminated with PCBs, and there have been contaminations of food supplies with the substances.
Some PCBs share a structural similarity and toxic mode of action with dioxins. Other toxic effects such as endocrine disruption (notably blocking of thyroid system functioning) and neurotoxicity are known. The maximum allowable contaminant level in drinking water in the United States is set at 0ppb, but because of the limitations of water treatment technologies, a level of 0.5 parts per billion is the de facto level.
The bromine analogues of PCBs are polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), which have analogous applications and environmental concerns.
==The treaty==
It all started when the Japanese government banned the production, use, and import of PCBs in 1972. Sweden banned the use of PCBs in "open" or "dissipative" sources, such as plasticisers in paints and cements, casting agents, fire retardant fabric treatments and heat stabilizing additives for PVC electrical insulation, adhesives, paints and waterproofing, railroad ties was banned in 1973. The USA then banned the production, use, and import of PCBs in 1977.
Japan and Sweden gradually encouraged the world to consider the the toxic effects of the chemicals on human health and chaired the Second Zürich World Health Treaty, in which the world's nations said they were to phase PCB use out globally with in 5 years and romve any storrage with in 6 years.
Several PCB poisoned places exist in Austria, Germany, France, the UK, Scotland, North Italy, Japan, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Siberia, Lithuania, Poland, Prussia, New England, Texas and the USA. 0.1 ppb of PCB is supposed to be in tapped groundwater at these places, but due to limitations of water treatment technologies, a level of 0.5 parts per billion is the de facto level in the relevant water purification plants.
==Related UN treaties==
#First Zürich World Health Treaty (A better world TL)
#Second Zürich World Health Treaty (A better world TL)
#Third Zürich World Health Treaty (A better world TL)
#Zürich Ozone Hole Treaty (A better world TL)
#Zürich Hydrofluorocarbons Treaty (A better world TL)
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