What is the concentration threshold for waste containing PCBs as per the Toxic Substances Control Act?

The concentration threshold for waste containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as established by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is indeed 50 parts per million (ppm) by weight. This means that any waste determined to have a PCB concentration at or above this level is subject to regulatory requirements regarding its handling, storage, and disposal.

Understanding why this threshold is significant lies in the environmental and health risks associated with PCBs, which are toxic industrial chemicals linked to various adverse health effects, including cancer and immune system issues. The TSCA was enacted to regulate substances that pose a risk to human health and the environment, and setting this specific concentration limit allows authorities to effectively manage and mitigate potential risks associated with PCB contamination in waste.

The thresholds below and above this level correspond to differing regulatory considerations. For example, waste with PCB concentrations lower than 50 ppm typically does not trigger the same stringent requirements, reflecting the law's intent to focus regulatory resources on higher-risk materials.