This document discusses the characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), their effects on various water uses, and the derivation of criteria to protect these uses. The water use categories considered here include drinking water, aquatic life, wildlife, livestock watering, irrigation, recreation and aesthetics, and industrial water supplies. Polychlorinated biphenyls are commercial products which found widespread applications because of their stability, inertness, and their excellent dielectric properties. Although their use in industry is now limited, PCBs still persist in the environment partly due to their resistance to breakdown and partly due to improper disposal.
Both humans and aquatic life are sensitive to the toxic effects of PCBs. Where applicable, and where sufficient information exists, criteria are recommended to protect water users from PCBs. Standards, objectives, criteria, and accompanying rationale from other jurisdictions are reviewed and their suitability for British Columbia waters is considered.
The information presented in this document is mostly based on recent reviews. In addition, a considerable number of research articles pertinent to the subject, appearing in recent issues of various journals, were also considered during the development of the criteria presented here.