ABSTRACT
The pyrolysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and electrical equipment containing PCB askarel has been shown to generate polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated biphenylenes. The contamination is believed to be due to the improper incineration of PCB askarel at the site over 12 years ago. Contamination of the multibuilding facility by PCBs, PCDFs and PCDDs has been found to be widespread. The remainder (45 mL) of the sample extract was reserved for heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin analysis. Preliminary samples were analyzed for PCDD and PCDF content in order to define the nature of the problem at the facility. Additional preliminary samples were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and found to contain PCBs at levels of 100-1000 times that of the PCDFs and PCDDs. The PCDD, PCDF pattern does indicate pentachlorophenol contamination, but no evidence of penta-chlorophenol incineration or contamination was found at the facility.
