"Roger Hayter" wrote in message
...
The oils in these old capacitors are often PCBs (polychlorinated
bi-phenyls) which are quite toxic. And they can leak slightly even if
not visibly. So I wouldn't have them in a house occupied by any non-old
non-amateurs. (A bit late for me to take up H & S on my own behalf.)


The PCB is not really that toxic. The problem is that it almost does not
break down and gets into the food chain. You can touch it and even get a
small ammount in your mouth without any harm to you. I don't mean drink it,
but say you get some on your hand and lick a drop or two off your finger.