Planar PCB Hazards to Fish, Wildlife, and Invertebrates: A Synoptic Review.

Ecological and toxicological aspects of polychiorinated biphenyls PCBs in the environment are reviewed with emphasis on biologically active congeners and fish and wildlife. Subtopics include sources and uses, chemical and biochemical properties, concentrations in field collections, lethal and sublethal effects, and recommendations for the protection of sensitive resources. All production of PCBs in the United States ceased in 1977. In this report we summarize the recent technical literature on PCB hazards to fishery and wild-life resources, and place special emphasis on the biologically active planar PCBs. This report is part of a continuing series of brief reviews prepared in response to requests for information from environmental specialists of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other requestors.