Older fluorescent fixtures have been known to contain which chemical?

• A. PCBs
• B. Sodium
• C. Potassium
• D. Chlorine

Answer: (A)

Older fluorescent fixtures sometimes used PCBs as the dielectric fluid inside the ballast. PCBs were favored for their stability and insulating properties, which made them useful in electrical equipment decades ago. But they are toxic, persist in the environment, and can accumulate in people and wildlife. If a fixture is leaking or being dismantled, PCB exposure can occur, so handling and disposal require special precautions and adherence to hazardous-waste regulations. In practice, assume an older ballast could contain PCB-containing oil, isolate the area, power down safely, and follow proper disposal procedures with a licensed hazardous-waste contractor. The other substances listed aren’t the typical hazardous dielectric fluid historically used in these fixtures, so PCB is the correct association.