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U.S. Department of Energy
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Amateur radio operators and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls

Journal Article · · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)
In September, 1982, the Special Studies Branch, Chronic Diseases Division, Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control, was alerted to the possibility that oils in certain oil-filled devices used by amateur radio operators throughout the country were contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). To evaluate the possible exposures and concomitant health risks, we conducted an exposure assessment study in two phases: (1) an evaluation of the prevalence of environmental contaminations and (2) an assessment of human exposure. Of 77 oil samples collected, only 2 were contaminated above a 50-ppm level; analyses of blood specimens collected from these two owner-operators showed serum PCB-levels with were well within a normal or expected background range. Although, on the basis of these limited data, PCBs from contaminated oils do not appear to be a hazard to amateur radio operators, the authors recommend that PCB-contaminated oils should not be used because of the continuing potential for exposure from either inhalation or direct contamination.
Research Organization:
Dept. of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA
OSTI ID:
5300012
Journal Information:
Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 40:1; ISSN AEHLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English