What is the structure of Polychlorinated Biphenyls?

  • Thread starter devilkidjin
  • Start date
In summary, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that were commonly used in the United States from the 1930s until their ban in 1979 due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. People can be exposed to PCBs through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, and they can have adverse health effects such as skin irritation, liver damage, and reproductive issues. To prevent PCB exposure, it is important to follow safety measures and properly dispose of any products containing PCBs. There are also regulations in place to control the production, use, and disposal of PCBs in order to protect human health and the environment.
  • #1
devilkidjin
27
0
does that have a specific structure ?

cause i saw like at least 2 different structure anyone help? =/
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There are tons of possible structures!
 
  • #3
There are 209 congeners, 210 if you include biphenyl, 206 if you are a purist and exclude mono-substitution from the "poly-" prefix.
 
  • #4
so there are many, is there like a "main" one?

like the one from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/pcb/fig1.JPG

would that be the main ? or general one?

any effect on the environments? beside the poison in fishes..=/ that i know
 
  • #5
No "main" one. You see ten possible positions at which Cl can be substituted for H; mono-, di-, tri-, ... , decachlorobiphenyl are all included in the term "polychlorobiphenyl." There are three monochloros, ortho-, meta-, and para-, or 2-, 3-, 4-, doesn't matter which phenyl group, since they are equivalent. Dichloro? 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 2,2'-, 2,3'-, 2,4'-, 3,3'-, 3,4'-, 4,4'-, where unprimed indicates one phenyl group, and the prime indicates substitution on the second phenyl group. The rest of the patterns "are left to the reader as an exercise."

Environmental effects? Rats on PCBs (by gavage) lived on an average 6 mos. longer than control animals; there was an increased incidence of liver tumors observed, but it was not clear whether this was caused by the physical abuse associated with gavage feeding, or the activity of PCBs on rat metabolism.

There is a bioaccumulation observed in fatty tissues as you move up the foodchain.
 
  • #6
thank you bystander :D
 

Related to What is the structure of Polychlorinated Biphenyls?

1. What are Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)?

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that were used in various industrial and commercial applications, such as electrical equipment, hydraulic fluids, and plasticizers. They were commonly used in the United States from the 1930s until their ban in 1979 due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment.

2. How are people exposed to PCBs?

People can be exposed to PCBs through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. PCBs can be released into the air, water, and soil during production, use, or disposal. They can also accumulate in the food chain, especially in fish, and be ingested by people who consume contaminated fish.

3. What are the health effects of PCB exposure?

PCBs are known to have a wide range of adverse health effects on humans, including skin irritation, liver damage, and developmental and reproductive issues. They have also been linked to various types of cancer, such as liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PCBs are also toxic to wildlife and can disrupt their endocrine and immune systems.

4. How can PCB exposure be prevented?

The most effective way to prevent PCB exposure is to avoid contact with them. This can be achieved by following proper safety measures when handling electrical equipment or other products that may contain PCBs. It is also important to properly dispose of any products or materials that may contain PCBs to prevent their release into the environment.

5. Are there any regulations regarding PCBs?

Yes, there are several regulations in place to control the production, use, and disposal of PCBs. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of PCBs, and has set strict guidelines for their disposal. The EPA also regulates the levels of PCBs allowed in the environment and in products, such as food and water, to protect human health and the environment.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
685
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top