Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of toxic chemicals that have permeated our environment for decades despite being banned in many countries. Due to their chemical stability and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were once extensively used in various industrial and commercial applications.
However, their persistence in the environment and adverse health effects have raised significant concerns globally. According to NRDC, the USA has not been able to eliminate PCB stocks effectively. The US destroyed only 3% of its PCB stocks, while Canada and the Czech Republic destroyed almost 99%.
This article explores how people are exposed to PCBs and the profound consequences that such exposure can have.
Sources of PCB Exposure
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals widely used in various industrial applications from the 1930s to the 1970s. The latest reports show that EPA-approved facilities disposed of more than 15.4 billion kilograms of PCB waste from 1996 to 2022. According to the EPA’s national list of PCB facilities, at least 9,000 types of facilities have managed PCB waste.
These compounds were highly valued for their chemical stability, insulating properties, and resistance to high temperatures. This made them ideal for electrical transformers, capacitors, and hydraulic systems applications.
One significant source of PCB exposure is through contaminated environments. PCBs were released into the environment during production, use, and disposal. Improper disposal practices, such as dumping PCB-containing materials into landfills or bodies of water, have contributed to the widespread contamination.
Another important pathway of exposure is through the consumption of contaminated food. PCBs have a high affinity for fat, leading them to bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. Consequently, seafood, particularly fish from contaminated waters, can contain elevated levels of PCBs. PCBs can accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals higher up the food chain, posing a risk to humans who consume them.
Furthermore, PCB exposure can occur by inhaling contaminated air, especially indoors. PCBs can volatilize from contaminated materials such as building materials, sealants, and old electrical equipment, leading to indoor air pollution. Individuals working in industries where PCBs were historically used are at a heightened risk of inhalation exposure.
PCB exposure can also occur through the consumption of contaminated water. PCBs can leach from contaminated soil and sediment into groundwater sources, contaminating drinking water supplies. Additionally, runoff from industrial sites or landfills can introduce PCBs into surface water bodies, further exacerbating contamination.
Health Consequences of PCB Exposure
Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can lead to various detrimental health effects. When individuals are exposed to PCBs through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time. PCBs have been linked to various health effects, including developmental delays and neurological disorders in children whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy.
PCBs are known to be toxic to both humans and animals. They were classified as group I carcinogens for humans, as their toxicological composition and processes have been associated with cancer initiation. A ScienceDirect study states that PCB-rich environmental factors contributed to around 70% of malign tumors and 90–95% of breast cancer.
In fact, many people who were exposed to PCBs and developed health problems have filed lawsuits. According to TorHoerman Law, these lawsuits are filed against PCB-based product manufacturers like Monsanto, which was the primary manufacturer of PCBs. Recently, PCB contamination was found at Poe Hall on North Carolina State University’s campus. The hall was shut down to prevent the consequences of exposure.
If you have developed cancer due to PCB exposure, you can file a PCB exposure lawsuit against the manufacturer. Consult with a lawyer who has experience in such cases. He or she can help you with further legal proceedings. Through a lawsuit, you can seek compensation for your damages.
Additionally, PCBs have been implicated in disrupting the endocrine system, which can lead to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues. PCBs can disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with reproductive health.
Exposure to PCBs during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects on fetal development. The adverse effects include low birth weight, impaired neurodevelopment, and altered thyroid hormone levels.
PCBs may also weaken the immune system and affect neurological function. This can lead to cognitive deficits, behavioral abnormalities, and increased infection susceptibility.
Environmental Impacts of PCB
One of PCBs’ most significant environmental impacts is their toxicity to humans and wildlife. PCBs are considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and have been linked to various adverse health effects in humans.
Additionally, PCBs can bioaccumulate in the food chain, with higher concentrations found in organisms higher up the food chain. Thus, it can pose a risk to predators such as birds, fish, and marine mammals.
PCBs’ environmental persistence means they can remain in the environment for decades, continuing to threaten ecosystems long after their initial release. PCBs can leach into groundwater from landfills and contaminated sites, contaminating drinking water supplies and spreading through aquatic ecosystems.
Their ability to travel long distances via air currents and waterways also contributes to their global distribution and persistence in remote environments. Therefore, it poses a threat to the entire world and not only the country where it is manufactured.
Mitigation and Regulatory Measures
Due to health and environmental concerns, several mitigation and regulatory measures have been placed on PCBs. Here are some of those measures:
- Regulatory bans and restrictions: Many countries have implemented bans or restrictions on the production, use, and disposal of PCBs to minimize human and environmental exposure. Regulatory frameworks such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants aim to eliminate or reduce the release of PCBs into the environment.
According to the UN Indonesia, the Stockholm Convention aims to rid the world of 31 toxic chemicals. Indonesia is among the countries that signed the Stockholm Convention. The list includes different types of PCBs whose use is now banned globally. - Remediation and cleanup efforts: To mitigate the impacts of historical PCB contamination, remediation strategies, such as soil and sediment remediation, groundwater treatment, and ecosystem restoration, are employed. These efforts involve removing, containing, or treating PCB-contaminated materials to prevent further exposure and restore environmental quality.
- Public awareness and education: Increasing public awareness about the sources, risks, and health effects of PCB exposure is crucial for promoting informed decision-making and behavior change. Educational initiatives, outreach programs, and community engagement efforts are vital in empowering individuals and communities to take proactive measures.
To conclude, PCBs represent a persistent and pervasive environmental threat that continues to pose risks to human health and the ecosystem. Understanding the sources and consequences of PCB exposure is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies and regulatory measures. By raising awareness and implementing proactive measures, we can work towards reducing PCB exposure and safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.
