How do PCBs get into the environment?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) enter the environment through various pathways, primarily from industrial processes and waste disposal. They can be released during manufacturing, improper disposal, or accidents involving PCB-containing equipment. Additionally, PCBs can leach into soil and water from contaminated sites or landfills, and they can volatilize into the air from contaminated surfaces. Once in the environment, PCBs persist for a long time due to their chemical stability, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain.