Dermatological findings in capacitor manufacturing workers exposed to dielectric fluids containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1982.10667538· OSTI ID:6711697

Fischbein, A; Wolff, M S; Bernstein, J; Selikoff, I J; Thornton, J

Significant occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may occur in the manufacturing of capacitors and transformers, in which PCBs are used as electrical insulators. Reports of adverse health effects resulting from PCB exposure have come primarily from an incident resulting from the accidental ingestion of contaminated rice oil in Japan in 1968 (''Yusho''). Dermatological findings were prominent features and included pigmentation disturbances and chloracne. To evaluate the dermatological effects of long-term occupational exposure to PCBs, a cross-section clinical survey was conducted of 326 capacitor manufacturing workers. A high prevalence (37%) of dermatological abnormalities was found, but typical PCB-associated signs, such as chloracne, were less frequent than among patients with ''Yusho,'' despite high concentrations of plasma PCB. An association between dermatological signs and plasma levels of higher homologues of PCBs was suggested, but contaminants which have been reported to be present in commercial PCB mixtures (polychlorinated dibenzofurans) should be considered an etiologic factor or co-factor in the development of ''PCB-associated'' dermatological findings.

• Research Organization: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
• OSTI ID: 6711697
• Journal Information: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 37:2; ISSN AEHLA
• 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.
AROMATICS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
DISEASES
HYDROCARBONS
INSULATING OILS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
SKIN
SKIN DISEASES