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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
• Spills and Emergencies •
- National Response Center:
(800) 424-8802 - EPA Region 5 24-hour Spill Hotline:
312 353 2318
National Information
National TSCA Hotline
Phone: (202) 554-1404, Monday through Friday
Fax (document requests only): (202) 554-5603
E-mail: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov
National PCB Web site Information about PCBs, their effects, and the laws and regulations applicable to them.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic chemicals that were manufactured for use in various industrial and commercial applications - including oil in electrical and hydraulic equipment, and plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products - because of their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point and electrical insulation properties.
Concern over PCB toxicity and persistence in the environment led Congress to enact Section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1976, which limits the manufacture, processing and distribution of PCBs. When released into the environment, PCBs do not easily break down. Instead, they persist for many years, bioaccumulate and bioconcentrate in organisms. The EPA has classified PCBs as probable human carcinogens. Long-term effects of PCB exposure include harm to the nervous and reproductive system, immune system suppression, hormone disruption and skin and eye irritation.
Region 5 PCB Program |
The Region 5 PCB Program regulates the processing, distribution, use, cleanup, storage and disposal of PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin and provides support for TSCA compliance.
Region 5 PCB Staff Directory **Each program contact provides compliance assistance on all the PCB regulations** |
Toxics Section |
Pesticides and Toxics Compliance Section |
|---|---|
| Tony Martig (312) 353-2291 martig.anton@epa.gov Section Chief |
Kendall Moore (312) 353-1147 moore.kendall@epa.gov |
| Peter Ramanauskas (312) 886-7890 ramanauskas.peter@epa.gov Remediation |
Ken Zolnierczyk (312) 353-9687 zolnierczyk.kenneth@epa.gov |
This section provides links to non-EPA web sites that provide additonal information for the states in Region 5. You will leave the EPA.gov domain and enter another page with more information. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of information on that non-EPA page. Providing links to a non-EPA Web site is not an endorsement of the other site or the information it contains by EPA or any of its employees. Also, be aware that the privacy protection provided on the EPA.gov domain (see Privacy and Security Notice) may not be available at the external link. 
State and Great Lakes specific information is available from the following websites: