Polychlorinated Biphenyl

Definition 1

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a family of more than 200 chemical compounds (congeners) with 1 to 10 chlorine atoms attached to biphenyl and a general structure of C12H10-xClx. PCBs were commercially produced as complex mixtures of congeners at different degrees of chlorination for a variety of applications. Their use was based on their chemical stability, and desirable physical properties. According to WHO, several congeners are now considered to be "dioxin-like" because of their toxicity and certain features of their structure similar to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. PCBs are not readily biodegradable, their use declined and was essentially terminated because of environmental concerns. USA stopped producing PCBs in 1977. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 2

Industrial products consisting of a mixture of chlorinated biphenyl congeners and isomers. These compounds are highly lipophilic and tend to accumulate in fat stores of animals. Many of these compounds are considered toxic and potential environmental pollutants. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

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