PCB has been determined to be ________.

• A. Harmful to the environment
• B. Harmless to the environment
• C. Beneficial to the environment
• D. Required by regulation

Answer: (A)

PCBs are highly persistent environmental contaminants that accumulate in living organisms and move through ecosystems over long periods. Their stability means they don’t break down easily in soil or water, and they bioaccumulate in the food chain, so concentrations can increase as you go up through organisms. This combination of persistence and toxicity affects wildlife and humans, leading to adverse health effects and ecological harm. Because of these properties, PCBs are classified as harmful to the environment. They are not harmless or beneficial, and while regulations exist to control their use and disposal, that regulatory status reflects their harm, not any safety.