Some PBTS and their Probable Sources
Examples of some PBTs that are currently or were historically found in the state and their probable sources are listed below. It is not an exhaustive list or discussion of all PBTs that may be present in Wisconsin’s environment. Some of these PBTs, such as aldrin/dieldrin, chlordane, and DDT are banned pesticides. Other PBTs such as cadmium, mercury, PCBs, and lead have some restrictions but may require more action and coordination to adequately reduce or prevent their concentrations in the state’s environment. Finally, there are several other emerging PBTs, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs and PBBs), tributyl tin (TBT), short chain chlorinated paraffins, and pthalates that have only recently been identified as PBTs and need to be further investigated.
PBDEs and PBBs have been used for many years as flame retardants in a variety of common products including plastics, textiles, and electronic circuitry. There is growing evidence in other countries as well as in the United States that these PBT compounds bioaccumulate in fish, wildlife and humans. PBDEs have been identified in Lake Michigan salmon and in increasing concentrations in mothers’ breast milk in Sweden. Few, if any, federal or state environmental standards or monitoring programs exist to assess the human health and environmental effects of many of these emerging PBTs. Our challenge in Wisconsin is to manage both the currently recognized PBTs, as well as new and emerging PBTs to protect public health and the environment.
Some PBTs and their Sources
Aldrin/Dieldrin
Chlordane
DDT (and DDE/DDD)
Former widely used pesticides. Now banned for use in the U.
S. Residual levels are still present in soils, sediments,
water, and fish tissue. Atmospheric transport may be from
other countries.
Cadmium
Coal combustion, waste incineration, and motor vehicles.
Dioxin/Furans
Backyard burning and uncontrolled combustion, industrial and
utility combustion of wood and other fuels, residential wood
combustion, diesel and gasoline fuel combustion, urban runoff,
municipal-waste combustors, and chemical bleached
wood pulp.
Lead
Coal combustion, waste disposal, ammunition, fishing sinkers,
and motor vehicles.
Mercury
Coal combustion, chlor-alkali facilities, consumer products
including fluorescent lamps, thermometers, thermostats, manometers, and switches.
PBDE/PBB (Brominated Flame Retardants)
Currently and formerly used as flame retardants in plastics,
textiles, electronic circuitry and other materials.
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
Formerly widely used in hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids,
lubricants, plasticizers, and as a component of surface coatings
and ink. Electrical devices containing PCB capacitors and
older paints, synthetic resins, rubber, adhesives, carbonless
paper, inks, and sealants can be consumer product sources
of PCBs.
Phthalates
Used as an additive to provide flexibility in vinyl products
including wall and floor coverings, upholstery, wire and cable
sheathing, medical products, packaging, and toys.
Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins
Used as high temperature lubricants and flame retardant plasticizers.
TBT (Tributyl Tin)
Currently commercially produced for use as biocides, anti-fouling
agents in marine paint, and as a preservative for wood products,
leather, ropes, fabrics, and paper.
RSS