Significant release of unintentionally produced non-Aroclor polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners PCB 47, PCB 51 and PCB 68 from a silicone rubber production site in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Silicone rubber production using bis(2,4)-dichlorobenzoylperoxide (2,4-DCBP) as cross-linking agent was recently found to emit significant amounts of the non-Aroclor PCB congeners PCB 47, PCB 51 and PCB 68 into ambient air. Emissions were reported initially to be associated with flue gas condensate flakes deposited in the direct vicinity of the production site. These flakes were mainly composed of 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and were contaminated with PCBs in the range of 150-300 mg/kg. Analysis of ambient air proved that also substantial gaseous emissions of the specific PCB congeners occur. The PCB congeners PCB 47, PCB 51 and PCB 68 were also found in bulk deposition samples, bio-indicators (dandelion, kale) and soil samples in the vicinity of the production site. Substitution of 2,4-DCBP by other cross-linking agents and mitigation measures led to a significant decrease of environmental impact.

Automated summary

The use of 2,4-DCBP in silicone rubber production leads to emissions of PCB pollutants into the air, impacting the surrounding environment and ecosystems. Substituting the cross-linking agent and implementing mitigation measures significantly reduces the environmental impact.