PCBs in old capacitors

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were until the 90s as insulating agents in old capacitors, fluorescent lamps, household appliances, paints, plastics and plasticizers. They continue to pose a health risk today. In many cases, old devices such as fluorescent tubes with PCB-contaminated small capacitors are still in use. The harmful PCB-contaminated insulating fluid can leak out of these.

People are directly at risk if the PCB-containing insulating fluid drips onto them or if they come into contact with it. Old appliances with PCB-contaminated capacitors must therefore be disposed of correctly and in good time.

Since 1989 PCB-loaded capacitors must no longer be used. be replaced. The German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association recommends replacing the old capacitors as a precautionary measure and disposing of them properly.


Pollutants PCB – environmental toxins and dangers

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic and persistent chlorine compounds that are degraded with difficulty degraded and for the environment and toxic to humans are toxic to the environment and humans.

Harmful PCBs can be absorbed through inhalation, contact with the skin or ingestion. They can accumulate in the tissue and are considered harmful to health and carcinogenic. Environmental pollution from PCBs has also long since reached the oceans. Killer whales (orcas), for example, are severely affected by the environmental toxin PCB.


Components of PCB-containing capacitors

In the form of a liquid dielectric (electrically weak or non-conductive substance as a gas, liquid or solid), PCB was already being used for power capacitors inthe 1930s. At the end of the 60s it was discovered that PCBs are difficult or impossible to break down and can also cause cancer. The use of PCBs was therefore restricted to so-called closed systems such as capacitors in 1978. The capacitors contain PCBs in oils that migrate in closed circuits. A short time later, it became known that PCBs can also decompose at high temperatures (e.g. via fire).

At certain high temperatures, toxic polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) can be released.


Labeling of PCB-containing capacitors

Certain markings indicate older capacitors with possible PCBs. They are marked in code on the type plates.

Markings for PCB-containing capacitors:

  • CL (Clophen)
  • CD
  • CP
  • A30
  • A40

If PCB contamination is suspected, the capacitors should be replaced. In particular, other names of foreign manufacturers may indicate PCBs. These should then also be treated and disposed of safely in the same way as PCB-contaminated products.


Labeling of PCB-free capacitors

Capacitors that do not contain PCBs generally bear the following markings:

Markings for PCB-free capacitors:

  • MP
  • MKK
  • MKP
  • MPP
  • MKV
  • MFA
  • MPK
  • LK
  • LP


Dangerous PCB release in old capacitors

Material fatigue can cause capacitors to release harmful PCBs by cracking, deforming and leaking. They also age more quickly due to overvoltage and frequent switching. After several starting attempts, the choke coils can reach 180 °C and above. They can then heat up (without the overcurrent protection device functioning properly), causing the capacitor to be destroyed and the PCB to separate.

Other influences for possible damage to the capacitors with release of PCBs are possible excessively high ambient temperatures, heat build-up due to ceiling heating or old lights, air conditioning systems or excessively high rated voltage. The oils with PCBs contained in older capacitors can escape from their closed system and leak out.


Behavior with leaked PCB-contaminated small capacitors

In the event of contact with PCBs, the following measures must be taken immediately:

  • Open the windows if possible and leave the affected room immediately
  • Remove (work) clothing contaminated with PCBs
  • Clean and scrub the affected skin areas with fat-soluble soap under water
  • Consult a (company) doctor immediately.
  • take further organizational protective measures in consultation with the company doctor or occupational safety specialist


Disposal of PCB-containing capacitors

The damaged and leaking capacitors must be disposed of safely after they have been taken out of service and professionally dismantled. To prevent PCBs from escaping, all materials that have been in contact with PCBs must be liquid-tight in suitable containers and without skin contactdisposed of. The Disposal regulations according to §§ 1-5 of the PCBAbfallV must be observed. They regulate all necessary measures for the provision, transfer, collection and the internal transportation of PCBsto prevent the release of PCB substances and preparations through fires and explosions. The regulations of the local waste management companies must be followed for the disposal of PCB pollutants.


PCDD/PCDF measurement with PM4-2 measuring devices

With the GSA sampling device Gravikon PM4-2, contaminated rooms can be sampled if dibenzodioxins andfurans (PCDD/PCDF) are suspected in order to obtain analyses of possible contamination. Sampling of dust fractions such as A-dust and E-dust can be carried out in parallel during measurement operation. Even very small dust fractions can be measured with the PM4-2 via the adjustable high volume flow of 4 m³/h with a high air flow rate. This means that even very small rooms are suitable for the samples. The sampling time is generally only up to two hours. The GSA measuring devices PM4-2 is suitable for sampling under normal conditions and in a temperature range of -5°C to 50°C degrees.

If you need more information about the GSA measuring devices PM4-2 or other measuring of harmful substances, please contact us.


Sources:

Image source: 123rf.com © arakias Image no. 11630118

www.arbeitssicherheit.de/schriften/dokument/0%3A7047296%2C21.html

www.elektrotechnik-fachwissen.de/wechselstrom/schwingkreis.php

www.innenraumluft.nrw.de/4_schadstoffe/pcb.php

www.polludoc.ch/de/material/pcb-transformatoren-kondensatoren-und-oelen

www.publikationen.dguv.de/widgets/pdf/download/article/2779

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dielectrics

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_biphenyls

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_(electrical engineering)

www.zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2018-09/pcb-schadstoffe-chemikalie-schwertwale-umwelt-verschmutzung?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/abfall-ressourcen/abfallwirtschaft/abfallarten/gefaehrliche-abfaelle/pop-pcb-haltige-abfaelle#pop-haltige-abfalle

www.zvei.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Presse_und_Medien/Publikationen/2015/november/Merkblatt__Entsorgung_von_PCB-haltigen_Starkstromkondensatoren/ZVEI_PCBhaltige_Starkstromkondsensatoren_04_11_2015.pdf