BBC has published an article explaining the adverse effect of Polychlorinated byphenyls(PCB) on dolphins, whales and porpoises. Effects include harm to immune system, brain, reproductive system and fertility, reduced sperm count which threaten the species.
What is Polychlorinated byphenyls(PCB) ?
Polychlorinated byphenyls(PCB) was widely used as dielectric in transformers, condensers, coolant fluids in electrical equipment, carbonless copy paper and more. PCB is classified as persistent organic pollutant and is now banned worldwide. (Stockholm Convention)
Transport regulations
Polychlorinated byphenyls(PCB) are classified under Class 9 with two entries in IMDG Code.
- UN 2315, POLYCHLORINATED BYPHENYLS, LIQUID* (Marine Pollutant)
- UN 3432, POLYCHLORINATED BYPHENYLS, SOLID** (Marine Pollutant)
*Colourless liquid (pure product) with perceptible odours. Immiscible with water. Harmful by ingestion or by skin contact. If spilled, can be a persistent hazard to the environment. This entry also covers articles, such as transformers and condensers, containing free liquid polychlorinated biphenyls. ** Solids with perceptible odour. Insoluble in water. Harmful by ingestion or by skin contact. If spilled, can be a persistent hazard to the environment. This entry also covers articles, such as rags, cotton waste, clothing or sawdust, containing polychlorinated biphenyls where no free visible liquid is present.
PCBs are grouped under Substances and articles which, in the event of fire, may form dioxins
- 2315 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS, LIQUID
- 3432 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS, SOLID
- 3151 POLYHALOGENATED BIPHENYLS, LIQUID or
- 3151 HALOGENATED MONOMETHYLDIPHENYLMETHANES, LIQUID or
- 3151 POLYHALOGENATED TERPHENYLS, LIQUID
- 3152 POLYHALOGENATED BIPHENYLS, SOLID or
- 3152 HALOGENATED MONOMETHYLDIPHENYLMETHANES, SOLID or
- 3152 POLYHALOGENATED TERPHENYLS, SOLID
MARPOL
Annex III of MAPROL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) regulates harmful substances in packaged form. Annex III applies to all ships carrying “harmful substances” in packaged form. Harmful substances are those identified in IMDG Code as Marine Pollutants or those meeting the criteria of Annex III.
Detailed requirements of packing, marking, labelling, documentation, stowage, etc are amplified in IMDG Code. Shippers must declared marine pollutants in transport document by mentioning words MARINE POLLUTANT which may be supplemented with the term “ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS.
Example: UN 1092, Acrolein, stabilized, class 6.1 (3), PG I, (-24°C c.c.), MARINE POLLUTANT/ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS
If a package or container with marine pollutants is fallen into the sea or jettisoned during emergency response then Master of the ship must inform the authorities as per IMO reporting requirement.
IMO Resolution (A.851(20) requires marine pollutant reporting “In the case of loss or likely loss overboard of harmful substances in packaged form including those in freight containers, portable tanks, road and rail vehicles and shipborne barges, identified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code as marine pollutants (Annex III of MARPOL 73/78).”
Under Basel Convention Polychlorinated biphenyls(PCB) is classified as controlled waste.
Further readings: study by Zoological Society of London
Banned chemical pollutant lowers fertility in UK porpoises,
What’s killing the killer whales?
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