Clinical and metabolic abnormalities associated with occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · J. Occup. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5656910

Chase, K H ^[1]; Wong, O; Thomas, D; Berney, B W; Simon, R K

---

1. Washington Occupational Health Associates, Inc., Washington, D.C.

A cross-sectional study of 120 male workers was conducted to determine the prevalence of increased polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) absorption as well as the presence of potentially related clinical and metabolic abnormalities. Three exposure categories (''exposed'', ''nominally exposed'', ''nonexposed'') were defined. Complete work histories, clinical histories, physical examinations and laboratory tests, including plasma PCB determinations were obtained. In addition, fat PCB levels were determined in randomly selected subjects in each exposed group. Evidence of dermatotoxicity was observed and elevated PCB levels were noted more frequently in the exposed group (p < .00001), correlating well with age and duration of employment. These correlations were stronger for fat (p < .001) than for plasma (p < .01) PCB levels. In the exposed group, significant correlations were found between plasma PCB and serum triglyceride (p < .00001) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels (p < .01). These correlations remained significant after controlling for either age or length of employment. No significant correlations were found between PCB levels and levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or levels studied on liver function tests other than SGOT. Further analyses relating frequency of reported direct contact with PCB levels suggested a dermal route of exposure. An analysis by union affiliation demonstrated that those in crafts involving greater direct exposure had correspondingly higher elevations of PCB levels.

• OSTI ID: 5656910
• Journal Information: J. Occup. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Occup. Med.; (United States) Vol. 24:2; ISSN JOCMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism &amp; Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ADIPOSE TISSUE
ANIMAL TISSUES
AROMATICS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BLOOD
BLOOD PLASMA
BODY
BODY FLUIDS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
CONNECTIVE TISSUE
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INJURIES
MATERIALS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PATIENTS
PERSONNEL
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SKIN
TISSUES
TOXICITY