[Polychlorinated biphenyls--toxicology and health risk]

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2001;52(3):187-201.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were or are manufactured as commercial products. The chemical stability and lipophilicity of these compounds, and their resistance to degradation results in their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in animal organisms by entering of various food chains. Food, especially of animal origin, is regarded as a major source of these chemicals for man. Acute toxicity of PCB is low. However, when absorbed in low doses over longer time periods they can cause changes leading in chloracne and other hypo- and hyperplastic responses, endocrine disorders, hepatotoxicity and porphyria, reproductive toxicity and carcinogenesis. Infants fed with breast milk are at greatest risk. The health risk assessment for environmental exposure to PCB was also discussed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism
  • Food Contamination*
  • Humans
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / adverse effects*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / chemistry
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / metabolism
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls