Re: PCB Who?

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: PCB Who?
From: Terry Greene <xray-at-cstel-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 10:44:01 -0600
Approved: twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net
Delivered-To: fixup-tesla-at-pupman-dot-com-at-fixme

He is correct on the legal issue. We have to send our old PCB
transformers to an EPA approved incinerator in South Carolina. If anyone
needs the address and procedures for any reason, send e-mail.
Terry

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> Original Poster: "Dr. Resonance" <Dr.Resonance-at-next-wave-dot-net>
> 
> Some notes regarding the cheap or "get it free" transformers or capacitors
> containing PCB (poly-chlorinated biphenyl) oils.
> 
> Electric utility companies and some capacitor manufacturers will gladly give
> you a "free" transformer or high voltage capacitor if you drop by to pick
> them up.  And, they will do it --- FREE.   So what's the catch?
> 
> There is a large local transformer company in our area.  I personally know
> several EE's who have been "up to their elbows" in PCB oil many times.  The
> danger isn't getting it on your skin.  The danger occurs if you ingest it.
> It (dioxin) reacts with fat cells inside your body and stays there
> permanently until the dioxin can begin to cause cancer --- but not in all
> cases.  The big blowout for PCB 's came in Michigan when some farmer feed
> some PCB contaminated products to his cows and then dozens of people who
> drank the milk started coming down with similar types of cancer.
> 
> Again, the danger only resides when the PCB oil makes it's way into your
> mouth, so you are probably ok if you don't start drinking it.  There are
> presently arguments both pro and con regarding PCB oil, but this isn't the
> real problem, at least not from the standpoint of the home TC builder.
> 
> The great danger with any PCB product isn't in it's handling, but in our
> legal system.  If the EPA catches you with any cap or xmfr with PCB oil in
> it they will come and dispose of it and then send you a nice fat bill for
> "handling and disposing".  If you don't pay they can seize your bank
> account, put liens on your property, etc.  This isn't the norm of course,
> but  --- it has happened!!!
> 
> In one case I personally know of, a disgrunted spouse reported her "ex" to a
> cop who then called the EPA.  In the end it cost him over $800 to dispose of
> some PCB caps.  He had to ship them to Alabama paying all shipping and
> disposal costs.
> 
> The moral of the story is:  It isn't really worth the risk of acquiring any
> electrical transformer or capacitor that contains PCB oils because the legal
> and disposal issues will cost you many time what the transformer or cap is
> worth.
> 
> This is one fish that is best left swimming past your boat.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Dr. Resonance
> 
>snip.......