LEAKAGE OF POLYCHLORINATED-BIPHENYLS AND NAPHTHALENES FROM ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN A LABORATORY

During the analyses of organochlorine compounds suddenly high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and naphthalenes (PCNs) were found in the blank samples. The chromatographic pattern of PCBs was similar to Clophen A40 and Clophen A50 and that of PCNs was similar to Halowax 1014. The laboratory air was suspected to be contaminated and the source was found to be the electronic equipment placed next to the laboratory. Leakage of PCBs and PCNs were detected from capacitors and wire coatings.