WORLD PCBs MAP: STORAGE AND EFFECTS IN MAN AND HIS BIOLOGIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE 1970s

Abstract

PCB residues are found in biota all over the world. A biologic magnification of PCBs has been demonstrated in the food chain: plankton-fish-fish eating birds. A world map of the PCBs residues in biota and some of their biologic effects are given in this study. The biologic effects of PCBs are varied and may generally be explained by the induction or inhibition of the activity of a large number of enzymes, which upsets quantitatively, normal biochemical processes. Harm to reproduction, growth, development, defense systems, tissues, and organs appeared in susceptible organisms as a result of such changes or as a chain reaction to heterostases. The adverse health effects, observed in persons occupationally exposed and in those accidentally poisoned, point to the risk for the general population of an ever-increasing environmental pollution by PCBs. There is need for an integrated approach, consisting of epidemiologic studies on high risk groups in the general population and in persons occupationally exposed, as well as periodic assessment of PCB residues in man, his food, and feed supplies.

Mechanisms of action for aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands in the PLHC-1 cell line

“…These compounds have mostly anthropogenic origins and enter the aquatic environment through wastewater and runoff from terrestrial sources. They are toxic to several groups of organisms, including mammals (reviewed in Vanden Heuvel and Lucier 1993), fish (Peaka1l1975), and marine invertebrates (Wassermann et al 1979). In addition, they are very hydrophobic and accumulate in sediments (Kalmaz and Kalmaz 1979) as well as lipid-rich animal tissues (Ernst et al 1976).…”

Occupational and Lifestyle Exposures on Male Infertility: A Mini Review

“…Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [24], certain halogenated compounds [25], several heavy metals [26][27][28] or xenoestrogens like some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) [29][30][31], organochlorine compounds (pesticides) [32][33] and phthalate esters (PEs) [34] may compromise reproductive male function.…”

Development of Bioassays and Approaches for the Risk Assessment of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin and Related Compounds

“…PCBs were first detected in the environment in the midto late-1960s as unidentified peaks that were observed during the gas chromatographic analysis of environmental extracts for DDT and related metabolites and breakdown products (9,10). Subsequent studies have identified PCBs as residues in almost all environmental samples.…”

“…Subsequent studies have identified PCBs as residues in almost all environmental samples. Early packed-column gas chromatographic analysis of the commercial PCBs and PCB residues from diverse environmental extracts demonstrated the complex composition of these mixtures (8)(9)(10)(11); moreover, recent studies using high-resolution analytical methods have confirmed that commercial PCB mixtures and the PCB residues in environmental extracts are highly complex. Inspection of the chromatograms of PCB residues from environmental extracts and from the commercial mixtures clearly demonstrates that the congener composition of the extracts does not resemble that of any single commercial PCB or their reconstituted mixtures.…”