Blog 2

What are PCB's

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), is a chemical that is nonflammable that were used as heat transfer fluids. 
• They are colorless and odorless chemicals.
• They were banned in the United States in 1979 due to its toxicity to humans and wildlife. 
• Today it is listed in the top 10% of EPA's most toxic chemicals. 
• Proper disposal is necessary in order to not be released in environment. 

How someone is exposed

• Fish consumption is the main exposure, and is still being disposed of improperly.
• They enter into the environment through rivers, lakes and oceans.
• They do not easily break down and are kept in the fatty tissues of fish.
• People can be exposed to these fish if they live near hazardous wastes sites and consume the fish.
• Consuming the fish is dangerous when eaten and can be absorbed in the skin, lungs, and intestinal tract.

How to safely eat a contaminated fish

• Older and fattier fish are more contaminated.
• Filleting, baking or broiling will reduce the amount of PCB's that are consumed.
• First cut off the skin, head, and tail and take out internal organs.
• Along the backbone, cut off the dark fat on top of fish.
• Along the bottom of fish, slice off the fat from the belly.
• On the lateral line of each side, cut away the V-shaped wedge of fat.
• Never eat the fish raw.

This information is important in reducing PCB's in fish. Eating safe food is important for one's health and reduces death.