PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)

What are PCBs?

PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, belong to the group of chlorinated hydrocarbons. They were widely used in the construction, electrical and plastics industries. However, it has been increasingly recognized that PCBs accumulate in the environment and in the food chain. PCBs are found in particular in foods of animal origin, which have a high fat content. These continue to be the most significant source for humans: Up to 90 percent of our PCB exposure comes from food.

PCB sites and occurrence

At TU Dortmund University, joint sealants in particular, which were used in public buildings in the 1970s, come into question as a source of increased PCB concentrations in indoor air. The PCB primary sources contained in the products evaporate from the materials and thus initially enter the indoor air. Over the years, they then contaminate walls, floors and furniture (secondary sources).