Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Environment: Occupational and Exposure Events, Effects on Human Health and Fertility

In the last decade or so, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) garnered renewed attention in the scientific community due to new evidence pointing at their continued presence in the environment and workplaces and the potential human risks related to their presence. PCBs move from the environment to humans through different routes; the dominant pathway is the ingestion of contaminated foods (fish, seafood and dairy products), followed by inhalation (both indoor and outdoor air), and, to a lesser extent, dust ingestion and dermal contact. Numerous studies reported the environmental and occupational exposure to these pollutants, deriving from building materials (flame-retardants, plasticizers, paints, caulking compounds, sealants, fluorescent light ballasts, etc.) and electrical equipment. The highest PCBs contaminations were detected in e-waste recycling sites, suggesting the need for the implementation of remediation strategies of such polluted areas to safeguard the health of workers and local populations. Furthermore, a significant correlation between PCB exposure and increased blood PCB concentrations was observed in people working in PCB-contaminated workplaces. Several epidemiological studies suggest that environmental and occupational exposure to high concentrations of PCBs is associated with different health outcomes, such as neuropsychological and neurobehavioral deficits, dementia, immune system dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In addition, recent studies indicate that PCBs bioaccumulation can reduce fertility, with harmful effects on the reproductive system that can be passed to offspring. In the near future, further studies are needed to assess the real effects of PCBs exposure at low concentrations for prolonged exposure in workplaces and specific indoor environments.

Automated summary

In the last decade, there has been renewed attention in the scientific community on the presence and potential risks of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) due to their continued presence in the environment and workplaces. PCBs primarily enter the human body through ingestion of contaminated foods, followed by inhalation and dermal contact. These pollutants are found in building materials and electrical equipment, with the highest contamination levels in e-waste recycling sites. Studies have reported environmental and occupational exposure to PCBs, with workers showing increased blood PCB concentrations. Epidemiological studies suggest that high concentrations of PCBs are associated with various health outcomes including neuropsychological deficits, dementia, immune system dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. PCBs bioaccumulation also affects fertility and reproductive systems. Further research is needed to understand the effects of low-level PCBs exposure in workplaces and specific indoor environments.