Although the production of PCBs is banned, PCB
pollution is still a problem. This is not only because of the
characteristics of PCBs -- they are slow to decompose, but also
because the pollution source has not been eliminated yet. In
order to eliminate the pollution source, what should be done?
Check the present situation (check and monitor equipment
stored and equipment in use)
First, checking the present situation is required in order
to take preventative measures. Effective measures cannot
be taken until we know where and how much PCBs exist. It
is important to have correct knowledge of equipment in use
and in storage, so that we can prevent losses and perform
suitable treatment.
The first step is for individuals to confirm whether PCBs
are contained in equipments used in our daily lives, such
as in our homes, offices, and schools.
<How to investigate a fluorescent light capacitor
>
| (1)Remove the lamp. |
 |
| (2)Remove the fluorescent
light cover. |
 |
| (3)Investigate the
label of the capacitor (Products made before the 1970s
may contain PCBs). |
 |
Photograph of Capacitor
Promote treatment
There are some risks in both PCB storage and use. PCBs
not only leak into the environment, but there is also a
risk of accidents. Thus, immediate processing is required.
Since the area surrounding a treatment facility is a high-risk
area, it is important to have transparent operations and
to take into consideration the opinions of neighboring residents
in order to ensure mutual understanding.
Legal maintenance
When we ratify the Stockholm Convention, concrete targets
such as by when we abolish PCBs, should be adopted, and
various measures must be promoted. When more countries ratify
the treaty, it will go into effect. Nevertheless, nations
must amend and adopt domestic laws.
We should be involved in promoting ratification. In fact,
we cannot promote measures to eliminate PCBs without the cooperation
of citizens. Civic power is required to investigate the situation
of equipment containing PCBs, to build PCB treatment facilities,
and also to advance the movement toward the amendment of domestic
laws. Let's encourage governments so that measures against
PCBs may progress. For this purpose, it is necessary to tell
many more people about the danger of PCBs, and the government
and industries need to release information positively.
In order not to leave our children and grandchildren a negative
legacy of the 20th century, let's destroy PCBs in our generation.
From now on, let's tackle measures and build a future filled
with hopes and free of PCBs.
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