What is the required combustion efficiency for incinerators specifically burning solid PCBs?

The required combustion efficiency for incinerators burning solid polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is set at 99.999% or better. This high level of efficiency is mandated due to the toxic nature of PCBs and the potential for harmful environmental impacts if they are not completely destroyed during combustion. Achieving such a stringent efficiency ensures that almost all PCB compounds are broken down and eliminated, reducing the risk of emissions that could adversely affect air quality and public health.

The rationale behind this requirement is rooted in the need to safeguard human health and the environment, given that even negligible amounts of PCBs can be hazardous. Regulatory agencies have put these stringent standards in place after careful consideration of the health effects associated with PCB exposure.

Lower efficiency ratings would not provide the same level of assurance regarding the complete destruction of these dangerous compounds, thus highlighting the importance of the more stringent combustion efficiency standard.