polychlorinated biphenyl
(PAH-lee-KLOR-ih-NAY-ted BY-feh-nil)
One of a large group of man-made chemical compounds that were used to make many products, including electrical equipment, insulation, fluorescent lights, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, inks, adhesives, and pesticides. Being exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls can cause skin conditions, such as acne and rashes, and eye irritation. Long-term exposure to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls can affect other body systems, and may also cause learning and developmental delays, low birth weight, and cancer. Polychlorinated biphenyls were banned in the United States in the 1970s, but they may still be found in contaminated soil, air, water, and food. Also called PCB.