Polychlorinated biphenyls

Family of synthetic organochlorine compounds with high molecular weight and C10H (10-n) Cln chemical formula. Industrially produced since 1930, polychlorinated biphenyls, better known by their acronym PCBs, have been widely used as additives in paints, inks and dry fillings for wall coverings, and were gradually prohibited. The fate of PCBs in the environment is explained by their physico-chemical properties: they are persistent, lipophilic and semi-volatile compounds. They do not show acute toxicity. However, chronic exposure to low doses can cause various dysfunctions observed on laboratory animals.