PCB ballasts (was: Brake fluid disposal)

["Steve Manwell" <Steve_Manwell@WE-KNOW-ENERGY.XENERGY.COM>]

     PCB's have not been used in any of these products since they were 
     banned at least a decade ago.  I am most familiar with PCBs in 
     ballasts for fluorescent lamps.  Ballasts manufactured post-1979 do 
     not contain PCB's.  If the ballast is not labelled "No PCB", then 
     assume it is a PCB ballast.  
     
     If a PCB ballast is leaking cooling oil, then consider it a hazard.  
     In fact EPA "recommends" that all PCB ballasts be treated as hazardous 
     waste.  I would think twice about putting a PCB ballast in the trash 
     if the local municipal waste goes to an incinerator.
     
     --Steve


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
     
Pardon my confusion, but how can PCBs be in so many products including 
brake fluid if they have been banned?  Are they imported for these uses?
     
Bruce