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Re: Where are the PCBs?
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 18:04:22 -0700
From: Jim Lux <jimlux-at-earthlink-dot-net>
To: Tesla List <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Subject: Re: Where are the PCBs?
> I regularly watch for high voltage caps of all different
> types at swap meets (some for TC work, some for HV discharge
> work, etc), and I was wondering what brands, types, etc. I
> should avoid if I don't like PCBs.
Unless you are actually in the manufacturing or repair of caps business, I
can't see how the PCB's in the cap are going to be a problem. If you were
talking about refilling transformer tanks, or the like, then there would be
a significant exposure hazard, but just from just a few sealed caps?
It is true that some PCB's (or more accurately, inevitable byproducts and
contaminants produced during the manufacturing process, like TCDD) are
carcinogenic. However, this becomes a signficant risk only if you are
exposed continuously, etc. The notorious problems come from people doing
things like using old PCB's as road oil to keep the dust down and workers
in plants where they were exposed in a occupational sense every day to
large quantities.
Just take the usual precautions of washing things off that you buy surplus,
and wash your hands before eating or wiping your face.
I would be more worried about the lead fumes from solder, the ozone and
nitrogen oxides from the arcs you hope to produce, the UV from the arcs,
the loud sound destroying your hearing, and the solvents in the paints and
finishes