Originally used to make transformers for Westinghouse and then ABB, the factory had been used to store ketchup and as a Halloween house since the latter company left town in 1998.

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And because the industrial base for manufacturing the transformers and capacitors used in delivering electricity is relatively small, it could take months, maybe years, to fully restore service.

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PCBs are used in many industries: as heat-exchange liquid in transformers, in paint additives and in making plastics.

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PCBs were routinely used until about 25 years ago in the manufacture of a number of items, including electrical transformers.

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