Safety Orientation Supervisor Exam 2026 – Complete Practice Test

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemical compounds that were commonly used in electrical equipment for their insulating properties and resistance to heat. The use of PCBs was widespread in products such as electrical transformers and capacitors because they have excellent insulating capabilities and do not ignite easily.

Oils in older electrical transformers often contained PCBs until their use was largely banned in the late 1970s due to health concerns associated with exposure to these chemicals. The correct response highlights the direct application of PCB-containing materials, providing a clear connection to their historical context in the electrical industry.

In contrast, the other options, while potentially hazardous in their own right, do not typically involve PCBs. Electrical insulators may use various materials but are not specifically indicative of PCB content. Construction debris might encompass a wide range of substances but is not a direct categorization of PCB use. Lead paint is a known hazard due to lead exposure, but it does not relate to PCBs. Understanding the associations and historical context of PCBs within electrical equipment is crucial for identifying these materials effectively.