For the past year, the subject of polychlorinated biphenyls in the Hudson River and what should be done about them has been discussed by politicians and residents all over the capital region. Often the top story on the local news, the front page headline of the newspaper, the subject of a special on television, or the reason for a town meeting, dredging has become a much debated topic. With all the information being exchanged and opinions published, it is easy for the average person to become confused. In an attempt to make things clear, the following report defines dredging, PCBs, and presents a short discussion of each side of the Hudson River dredging debate.POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLSWebster’s Dictionary defines polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, having various industrial applications and are poisonous environmental pollutants that tend to accumulate in animal tissue. They have a high resistance to excessive temperatures and do not disingrate in water. Because of these qualities, they can be useful in paints, lubricants, and most commonly, as a dielectric in capacitors.Unfortunately, PCBs are hazardous to human and animal health, as well as to the environment. In studies published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the following health concerns are related to the ingestion of PCB’s in people:Reproductive functions may be disrupted by exposure to PCBs.Neurobehavioral and developmental deficits occur in newborns and through school-aged children who had in utero exposure to PCBs.Liver disease and diabetes, and effects on the thyroid and immune systems are associated with elevated serum levels of PCBs.Increased cancer risks, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, are associated with PCB exposures.Many companies produced PCBs in the 1930’s and 1940’s and because the chemical does no...
