PASSAGE 4

Polychlorinated biphenyls are heavy, syrupy hydrocarbons that were first synthesized in the
1880s. Because they conduct heat but not electricity and are water-insoluble, fire-resistant, and
extremely stable (withstanding temperatures of up to 1600 F), they were found, in the 1930s,
to be extremely useful as components in cooling systems and electrical equipment (transformers
and capacitors). They were widely used for these purposes and also in the composition of
sealants, rubber, paints, plastics, inks, and insecticides.

PCBs were banned in 1979, after researchers linked them to cancer and developmental problems
in humans. However, PCBs persist in the environment for extremely long periods. Because of an
affinity for fat, they have a marked tendency to accumulate in living organisms; increasing in
concentration as they move up the food chain.

At sites where dumping of chemical wastes had occurred, such as warehouses, landfills, and even
rivers, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous wastes still remained. To locate, investigate, and
clean up the worst of these sites nationwide, Congress in 1980 established the Superfund
Program, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Due to dumping over a
period of 35 years by two capacitor manufacturing plants located along the northern part of the
Hudson River in New York State, EPA has estimated that 1.1 million pounds of PCBs have
accumulated.

Field surveys of the river have found substantial contamination in 40 submerged sediment hot
spots, 5 exposed shoreline remnant deposits, dredge spoils on riverbanks, and estuary sediments.
Today, because of PCB contamination, human consumption of fish caught in the most affected
areas of the Hudson River is prohibited. But, while fish consumption remains the most potent
route of PCB exposure, exposure can also occur through other routes. Eight municipalities
currently draw drinking water from the Hudson and another, New York City, draws it during
emergencies.

EPAs report recommending dredging indicates that, due to opposition of local residents, neither
a landfill nor a thermal treatment facility (for high temperature incineration) can be locally-sighted
and the PCBs should therefore be transported to a solid waste landfill outside of the area. The
report does not, however, identify a specific location.
Furthermore, air along the river contains elevated concentrations of PCBs, and individuals living
along the River show PCB residue in their bodies, paralleling the river's contamination. The EPA
has recommended that PCBs be removed from the river bottom by dredging, thus reducing
contamination and possibly eventually permitting revitalization of commercial fishing, which once
generated $40 million income annually. However, the corporation blamed for the dumping argues
that dredging may stir up the PCBs (which they describe as now lying undisturbed in the
riverbed), causing the water, air, and riverbanks to become even more contaminated. Some area
residents echo these concerns and also argue that dredging will subject them to years of
unacceptable noise, disruption, and curtailed recreational activities
1. Based on information provided by the author of the passage, it can be inferred
from the passage that PCBs are:

I. heavier than water.

II. toxic to fish.
III. readily biodegradable.

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and III

2. According to the passage, the EPA differs from local residents and the company
responsible for PCB contamination in that it affirms that it bases its recommended
action on benefit to:

A. commercial fishing interests.

B. residential interests.
C. the environment as a whole.
D. recreational activities.
E. the general American populace

3. It can be inferred from the passage that the justification used for prohibiting
individuals from consuming fish caught in contaminated sections of the Hudson
River is that the individuals may thereby:

A. reduce the level of PCBs in their bodies.

B. avoid any further increase in the level of PCBs in their bodies.
C. mitigate the accumulation of PCBs in their bodies.
D. prevent cancer and developmental problems.
E. cause a reduction in their health insurance premium