Heath dummy load and PCBs...

[Radman]

Gang,

With the recent thread on the Heath "Cantenna" dummy
loads, I thought it prudent to post some cautionary info
on "old" transformer oil and PCBs -- Polychlorinated
Biphenyls. It's possible/likely that some folks on this
list have an old "Cantenna" filled with PCB-laden coolant
and are unaware of the serious health consequences
associated with this class of chemical agents. PCB
coolants were no longer produced in the US after 1977 --
however the US produced over 1.5 billion pounds of PCB,
not all of which has been properly disposed of. If you
think you have PCB coolant in your shack, I would
encourage you to "do the right thing" and call your local
power & light company, the EPA, or your State Health
Department and arrange for proper/responsible deposal.

I've attached some info from the EPA page below my
signature. If you'd like to learn more about PCBs, you can
access the EPA web page at:
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pcb/

No, I'm not asscociated with the EPA... just thought you'd
want to know the facts :-))

Good weekend to all,

73 - Conrad - NN6CW

**************************

Following info courtesy of epa.org:

What are PCBs?

PCBs are mixtures of synthetic organic chemicals with the
same basic chemical structure and similar physical
properties ranging from oily liquids to waxy solids. Due
to their  non-flammability, chemical stability, high
boiling point and electrical insulating properties, PCBs
were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial
applications including electrical, heat transfer, and
hydraulic equipment; as plasticizers in paints, plastics
and rubber products; in pigments, dyes and carbonless copy
paper and many other applications. More than 1.5 billion
pounds of PCBs were manufactured in the United States
prior to cessation of production in 1977.

What health risks are linked to PCBs?

PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse
health effects. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in
animals. PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of
serious noncancer health effects in animals, including
effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous
system, and endocrine system. Studies in humans provide
supportive evidence for potential carcinogenic and
non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs. The different health
effects of PCBs may be interrelated, as alterations in one
system may have significant implications for the other
systems of the body.

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