 a polychlorinated biphenyl ( pcb ) and tri- and tetrachlorinated benzene - containing electrical transformer was involved in an explosion and fire in a modern office building in binghamton , new york , on february 5 , 1981 . 
 because of an unusual system of air shafts the entire building and adjacent garage became contaminated with toxic chemicals . 
 polychlorinated dioxins , furans , and biphenylenes were formed as pyrolytic by - products . before the extent of the chemical contamination was appreciated workers 
 were exposed to these chemicals . 
 four years after the explosion and after the expenditure of over $ 22 million for cleaning and other expenses , the building remains closed.imagesfigure 1.figure 2.figure 3.figure 4.figure 5.figure 6.figure 7.figure 8.figure 9.figure 10 . 
Images