Health effects of low-level exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(86)80179-7· OSTI ID:5113939

Stark, A D; Costas, K; Chang, H G; Vallet, H L

A polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) spill resulting from a transformer explosion in Syracuse, New York, with no subsequent fire, provided an opportunity for the examination of the effects of low-level PCB exposure without the confounding presence of furans and dioxins. The incident provided 52 individuals exposed to PCB among building personnel, police, firemen, and public utility employees. Sixty-eight nonexposed were matched to the exposed group by sex, age, employer, and job description. Data were collected on the exposed relative to their activities at the spill site, their location, possible routes of exposure duration of exposure, and subsequent health effects. Exposed and nonexposed were interviewed for past medical history and relevant symptoms. Blood chemistries were studied inclusive of SGOT, SGPT, total protein, CBC, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as a fasting blood PCB level measurement. Six weeks after the spill, exposed and nonexposed were re-interviewed and had their blood work repeated except for the CBC and PCB levels. Exposed and nonexposed laboratory results were unremarkable. Some transient skin irritation believed to be associated with PCBs was noted. There were significant PCBs in blood level trends for occupation, age, duration of exposure, and level of alcohol consumption. Triglyceride level was highly correlated with PCB level. This relationship held when age and alcohol consumption were controlled for.

• Research Organization: New York State Dept. of Health, Albany
• OSTI ID: 5113939
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 41:1; ISSN ENVRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACCIDENTS
AROMATICS
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
BODY
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CORRELATIONS
DATA
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
ESTERS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
EXPLOSIONS
FEDERAL REGION II
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION
LIPIDS
NEW YORK
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
SKIN
SYMPTOMS
TRANSFORMERS
TRIGLYCERIDES
USA