The group of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprises a total of 209 compounds. They were mainly used as Plasticiser (joint sealants), as Flame retardants (paints, varnishes) and as Insulating oils (transformer oils, capacitors, etc.). In the construction industry Permanently elastic joint sealants, paints/varnishes on mineral materials, wood or chipboard, coloured stone plasters, grouting and filling compounds and flooring adhesives Frequent areas of application. Open use (sealants, paints) was banned in 1978. A general ban in Germany (also in transformers, capacitors, etc.) followed in 1989. PCBs are persistent, i.e. they accumulate in the environment and in organisms. They are also toxic and are suspected of being carcinogenic.
