Current Intelligence Bulletin 45: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s): Current Intelligence Bulletin 45

Reviews the pertinent data and a summary of findings related to the potential human health hazards of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and related compounds. Numerous fire-related incidents involving electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) have resulted in widespread contamination of buildings with PCB’s and, in some cases, with PCDFs and PCDDs, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Emergency response personnel, maintenance or cleanup workers, or building occupants may be exposed to the compounds by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. In experimental animal studies, exposure to PCBs, PCDFs, or PCDDs has resulted in various effects, including decreased body weights, hepatic lesions, thymic atrophy, and adverse reproductive effects, at a wide range of exposure concentrations. In addition, PCB’s and TCDD have been shown to be carcinogenic in rats and mice. Humans exposed to PCBs, PCDFs, or PCDDs have developed chloracne, gastrointestinal disturbances, elevated serum enzyme and triglyceride levels, and numbness of the extremities. Epidemiologic studies of humans exposed to PCBs or PCDDs including TCDD are suggestive of an association between exposure to these compounds and increased incidences of cancer. Based on existing evidence, NIOSH continues to recommend that PCBs and TCDD be regarded as potential human carcinogens in the workplace.

Current Intelligence Bulletin 45: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s): Current Intelligence Bulletin 45