Stand up and be counted

Tom Erik Økland

8th June, 2000

A Norwegian research scientist can trace PCB pollution on the seabed along the Norwegian coast directly back to the manufacturer. Norwegian authorities are considering suing chemical giants such as Monsanto and Bayer for millions of pounds. They may now pay for their misdemeanours, says Tom Erik Økland

PCBs are a family of industrial chemicals used in electrics, manufacturing and various other processes. Considered to be among the most hazardous of the environmental toxins known, they have been linked to cancer, hormonal effects, behavioural changes, and more. Despite the fact that they are artificial, they can be found in the environment, throughout the world. The reason is simple – this environmental toxin was used in a series of products before it was banned. Common to these products is the fact that they have now all been phased out or are in the process of being phased out. But industry and the authorities in most countries have shown considerable reluctance to properly dispose of products containing PCB.

Traced to the chemical giants

Pollution in Norway is a serious problem in many places. The authorities have banned the sale of fish from a number of fjord areas. Clean-up is essential but it is also expensive. The question of liability therefore arises. In the middle of the 1990s, the Norwegian research scientist Roger M. Konieczny began to develop a system which enabled the identification of the PCB pollution that can be found on the seabed along the...

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