PCBs in the Environment

Ecological Risks from PCBs in the Hudson River

The ecological risks associated with PCBs in the Hudson River are a function of the toxicity of PCBs and the exposure. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals. PCBs are persistent in the environment and are known to bioaccumulate up the food chain.

In December 1999, EPA released the Ecological Risk Assessment - Future Risks in the Lower Hudson River, which evaluated the future ecological risks in the Lower Hudson River (Federal Dam to the Battery in New York City). In August 1999, EPA released the Ecological Risk Assessment, which evaluated the current and future ecological risks in the Upper Hudson River and the current ecological risks in the Lower Hudson River. EPA found that PCBs in the Hudson River present risks to fish and wildlife that are above levels of concern under the federal Superfund program.

More detailed information can be found in the Executive Summaries. Links are provided below:

Executive Summary - December 1999 Ecological Risk Assessment for Future Risks in the Lower Hudson River

Executive Summary - August 1999 Ecological Risk Assessment

You can access the full reports from the Reports and Schedule page

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