Question

PCB contamination of the environment ________.

A) was the main environmental problem in Lake Apopka
B) is the main focus of the book Silent Spring
C) is a continuing problem because PCBs are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment
D) results from over-application of pesticides
E) has never been documented outside the United States

Answer 1

PCB contamination of the environment is a continuing problem because PCBs are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment. (Option C)

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is C) is a continuing problem because PCBs are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment.

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are industrial chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment, lubricants, and other products until the 1970s. They are known for their persistence in the environment, meaning that they do not break down easily and can persist for many years. This is problematic because PCBs can accumulate in the bodies of living organisms, leading to harmful effects on ecosystems and potentially on human health.

For example, PCBs have been found in the organs of animals in remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic, far away from where they were originally released. This highlights the long-range transport of these chemicals and their ability to contaminate even pristine environments. Therefore, PCB contamination is a continuing problem that requires ongoing monitoring and management to protect the environment and human health.