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Gambia - Final Regulatory Action
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) CAS number:
1336-36-3
Date circular:
12/06/2004

Chemical name: 1,1'-Biphenyl, chloro derivs.

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

Importation

Use or uses that remain allowed:

Not specified

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No

Summary of the final regulatory action:

This industrial chemical is already designated as a PIC chemical. (Part IV of the national pesticide regulations of 1994 empowers the Board not to register any pesticide that is banned or severely restricted by other countries unless the importer provides sufficient proof that the product can be more safely handled in The Gambia.) There were concerns regarding the toxicity nature of the product (based on information obtained from the literature, DGD and WHO classification of hazards). There had been dangers and hazards recorded in other countries. There was a lack of adequate capacity to manage and use the product in the country, and less hazardous alternatives existed.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Workers in the Power Sector have low level of awareness with regard to the product and the health risks are high.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

The reduction of the potentials to health hazards due to exposure to the product

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Oil and leaking transformers have the potential to contaminate the environment through handling by unqualified workers.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

A reduction in the potential for environmental contamination

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 09/10/1996