Pentachlorobiphenyl

Older transformers/capacitors, hydraulic fluids, fluorescent light ballasts, and pre‑1979 caulk, paints, and sealants; contaminated soil, sediment, and waste sites [1][2].

Eating contaminated fish, meat, or dairy; breathing indoor air or dust in buildings with old PCB materials; contact during renovation/demolition or improper disposal; certain jobs around electrical equipment or waste [1][2].

PCBs are carcinogenic to humans and can harm the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems; they may affect fetal/child development and thyroid hormones [1][2][3].

Pregnant people, infants, and children; people who eat a lot of locally caught contaminated fish or high‑fat animal foods; workers in demolition, electrical equipment repair, or hazardous waste; communities near contaminated sites [1][2].

Follow local fish advisories; choose lean cuts and trim fat/skin from fish; avoid disturbing old caulk/ballasts; use wet‑wiping to reduce dust; hire certified pros for removal and dispose per EPA rules [1][2].