Askarel is the trade name a for polychlorinated biphenyl commonly used as a transformer oil. Although production has been banned in many countries, it may still be encountered in old equipment or as a chemical contaminant.
Features of askarel at high temperatures:
(1) high dielectric strength
(2) good thermal conductivity
(3) chemically stable
(4) low flammability
Its role in transformers has been replaced by mineral oils or other compounds.
It does not show significant biodegradability so persists in the environment.
Toxic byproducts if ignited: chlorinated dioxins, chlorinated dibenzofurans
Toxic effects:
(1) neurotoxicity
(2) endocrine disruption
(3) hepatitis
(4) immune defects
(5) carcinogenesis
(6) teratogenesis
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