PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Previous Uses: Commercial use began in 1929 and was widespread. Manufacture of PCBs was stopped in 1977 (in the United States). Major uses of PCBs included insulation for electrical cables and wires, coolants and lubricants, and in the production of electrical condensers.

Health Effects: The PCBs and Your Health (exit DNR) site provided by Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) provides a good summary of PCB health concerns.

PCBs are considered to be probable human carcinogens based on its association with liver tumors of laboratory rats (USEPA 1997). Recent EPA documents have termed the findings of some human studies as "suggestive" of an association between human cancer and PCB exposure (USEPA 1997). PCBs are also associated with immunological effects in animals and some developmental effects in humans. People who have been exposed to PCBs for a long time have problems such as irritation of the nose and lungs, and skin irritations consisting of acne and rashes (chloracne) (ATSDR 2001).

Ecological Effects: Polychlorinated biphenyls are another example of a highly persistent, highly lipophilic organochlorine contaminant. The degree of chlorination plays a role in the toxicity of PCBs to fish and wildlife. The higher chlorinated congeners appear to be less toxic to aquatic organisms but more toxic to birds and mammals. Birds appear to be more resistant to the acute toxicity of PCBs compared to mammals, but are susceptible to the reproductive effects. The mink is the most sensitive wildlife species where dietary concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm have produced toxic effects. Sublethal effects of PCB exposure include skin lesions, wasting syndrome, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, genotoxic and epigenetic effects, hepatotoxicity and induction of hepatic and extrahepatic metabolizing enzymes. Growth disorders and delayed reproduction and reproductive impairment are also linked to PCB exposure (Eisler 1986).

Trade Names: Aroclor, Dykanol, Noflamol, Chlorentol, Inerteen, Pyranol, Therminol, Chlorophen, Cholorextol, Clophen, Colphen, Fenclor, Kanachlor, Montar, Pyralene, Santotherm, Therminol FR.