[BC] PCB and other hazards

[Milton Holladay]

Once you have smelled PCBs, you probably won't ever forget the distinctive 
odor. I have encountered PCB capacitors that were stored in a closed cabinet 
for a long time, and though not leaking, the distinctive smell was initially 
quite strong.  I'd rather not think about how much PCB oil I've come into 
contact with mopping it out of xmtrs.........
On a related subject, I wonder how many of us have had exposure  to 
(breathed?) burned up teflon residue ? I can't recall seeing any warning 
about this hazard.  I notice that there have been no teflon coated skillets 
and pots available for a good number of years, the teflon having been 
supplanted by some other alleged non-stick coating...
M
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <RichardBJohnson at comcast.net>
To: "Broadcasters' Mailing List" <broadcast at radiolists.net>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 9:28 AM
Subject: Re: [BC] PCB and other hazards


> Some smelly information.
>
> There are a lot of companies that don't have a clue
> about the kinds of fluids contained in their transformers
> and capacitors. Most oil-filled transformers that I've
> seen used in broadcast transmitters, contain so-
> called mineral oil. This is super-refined motor oil.
> Some transformers, typically pad-mounted, designed
> to run very hot out of doors, used in high power UHF
> TV transmitters for the beam supply, contain a smelly
> kind of oil with various trade names like
> (alphabetical order) Apirolio, Aroclor, Askerel, Asbestol,
> Clophen Chlorextol, Clorinol, Clorphen, Diaclor, Dk,
> Inclor, Fenclor, Dykanol, EEC-l8, Elemex, Eucarel, Hyvol,
> Inerteen, Kenechlor, N-3, No-flamol, Phenoclor, Pyroclor,
> Pyralene, Pyranol, Saf-T-Kuhl, Santotherm, Santovac,
> and Savol Therminol.
>
> Askerel was also used in a 50 kW dummy load made by
> RCA. These materials contain "POLYCHLORINATED
> BIPHENYLS" and are considered to be harmful.
> However, most AM and FM transmitters do not use
> components containing PCB materials simply because
> they are not required. The oil-filled capacitors most
> likely to contain PCB materials are made by General
> Electric and proudly announce "Pyranol," on the
> label. Such capacitors were designed for outdoor
> use in power-factor correction. However some may
> find their way into composite transmitters or transmitters
> built during the "war years."
>
> Basically, if it smells, it may contain PCBs. If it doesn't,
> it does not since it is not possible to make odor-free biphenyls.
> I have seen labels applied by so-called broadcast engineers
> on PCB-free transmitters warning that the unit contains
> PCBs. I have no clue who distributed these labels or
> what ulterior motives were in effect at the time, but they
> are simply wrong. PCBs were designed to be poisonous!
> This is to prevent the growth of molds and fungi that
> could cause green plague in transformers. When an
> attempt is made to burn PCBs, the reaction with
> chlorine helps suppress the flame by creating other
> nasty compounds.  Therefore, you don't want to get
> this stuff on your skin or into your body.
>
> Nevertheless, if it doesn't smell, it does not contain
> any phenyl compounds, including the chlorinated kinds.
>
>
> --
> Cheers,
> Richard B. Johnson
> Read about my book
> http://www.LymanSchool.org