Hotspot report for pattern of practices: PCBs sources and releases in Tanzania.
Tanzania is a developing country that used PCBs in the past and still has PCBs in use or in stores and/or leaking or failed equipment releasing them into the environment. This study focused on identifying PCBs hotspots and practices that release PCBs into the environment in Tanzania paying particular attention to electrical equipment. It was discovered that electrical equipment constitutes a major source of PCBs releases, as they were used or are still in use in Tanzania in electrical substations, including large transformers, medium size transformers, normal industrial and domestic application, and water treatment plants. The study also assessed the extent of contamination and availability of alternatives to PCBs locally and globally. Finally, the report gives recommendations on how to deal with the hotspots and PCBs releases in general. The study recommended increased public awareness on PCBs sources and their effects on human health and the environment; promoting further studies on the sites mentioned; and community monitoring to assess the impact of PCB to human health.