San Francisco Bay Cities Hope to Identify Carcinogen Sources

Several San Francisco Bay cities will split a $5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to identify sources for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a carcinogen that has been found in the bay. According to a report by the Water Quality Assn., the cities of San Carlos, San Jose, Oakland and Richmond contain “hot spots” for PCBs, even though they were banned for use in manufacturing more than 30 years ago.

PCBs enter the bay in storm water runoff. Their presence has contaminated the water and resulted in a health advisory for fish caught there.

Source: Water Quality Assn.