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Environmental Health Perspectives May 1985Fifty-five present and past transformer repair workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 56 unexposed comparison workers were evaluated in a...
Fifty-five present and past transformer repair workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 56 unexposed comparison workers were evaluated in a clinical-epidemiologic study. The groups were similar in most demographic variables. Adipose tissue lipid and serum PCBs concentrations were higher in current exposed workers (geometric means adipose 2.1 ppm, serum 12.2 ppb). Concentrations in comparison (0.6 ppm and 4.6 ppb) and previously exposed (0.83 ppm and 5.9 ppb) workers were lower. Statistically significant differences in serum albumin and lactic dehydrogenase, but not in other liver function tests, were seen between the exposed and comparison groups; however, after adjustment for confounding variables, no correlations were observed between liver function tests and either adipose or serum PCBs concentrations. Statistically significant correlation both before and after adjustment for confounding variables were seen with adipose PCBs and 24-hr urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion and with serum PCBs and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Both associations could reflect microsomal enzyme induction among other possibilities. No differences were seen in fasting serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL or VLDL cholesterol between the two exposure groups. A statistically significant correlation between serum PCBs and serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol was removed by adjusting for confounding variables. No correlation was seen between adipose PCBs concentrations and any serum lipid component. Partition phenomena could account for these findings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Electricity; Environmental Exposure; Enzyme Induction; Humans; Lipids; Liver; Male; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Time Factors; gamma-Glutamyltransferase
PubMed: 2863134
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8560185 -
The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2022We report individual polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and the sum of all congeners (ΣPCB) in residential soils of East Chicago, Indiana. ΣPCB in soils ranged from 20...
We report individual polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and the sum of all congeners (ΣPCB) in residential soils of East Chicago, Indiana. ΣPCB in soils ranged from 20 to 1700 ng/g dry weight (DW), with a geometric mean of 120 ng/g DW. These values are significantly higher than other locations, but similar or lower to locations nearby well-known PCB contamination sites. No PCB spatial distribution pattern was observed. PCB concentrations increase with total organic carbon in the soils and proximity to Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal (IHSC), where sediments are contaminated with PCBs. Most samples are similar in their PCB distribution and Aroclor 1254 yielded the highest similarity to all the samples. A fifth of the samples highly resemble other PCB profiles such as EPA background and Cedar Rapids Iowa soils, and volatilization from Lake Michigan, whereas volatilization from IHSC could not explain the PCBs found in soils. IHSC was expected to be the main source of PCBs in the nearby soils. It is possible that soils are impacted by variety of known and unknown sources, including volatilization from Lake Michigan, resulting in a regional PCB signal. Although PCB concentrations are higher than other locations, samples were below the current US EPA non-cancer residential soil level remediation goal for dioxin TEQ.
Topics: Carbon; Chicago; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Dioxins; Environmental Monitoring; Lakes; Michigan; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Soil
PubMed: 35931157
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157705 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jan 2019The aim of this study was to know the biodiversity of total microorganisms contained in two polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated aged soils and evaluate the strategies...
The aim of this study was to know the biodiversity of total microorganisms contained in two polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated aged soils and evaluate the strategies of bioaugmentation and biostimulation to biodegrade the biphenyls. Besides, the aerobic cultivable microorganisms were isolated and their capacity to biodegrade a commercial mixture of six congeners of biphenyls was evaluated. Biodiversity of contaminated soils was dominated by Actinobacteria (42.79%) and Firmicutes (42.32%) phyla, and others in smaller proportions such as Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the majority of the population did not exceed 7% of relative abundance, including Bacillus, Achromobacter, Clostridium, and Pontibacter. Furthermore, four autochthonous bacterial cultures were possible isolates from the soils, which were identified by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, as Bacillus sp., Achromobacter sp., Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Bacillus subtilis, which were used for the bioaugmentation process. The bioaugmentation and biostimulation strategies achieved a biodegradation of about 60% of both soils after 8 weeks of the process; also, the four isolates were used as mixed culture to biodegrade a commercial mix of six polychlorinated biphenyl congeners; after 4 weeks of incubation, the concentration decreased from 0.5 mg/L to 0.23 mg/L.
Topics: Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biodiversity; Environmental Monitoring; Mexico; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Pseudomonas; Soil; Soil Microbiology; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 30706145
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7227-4 -
Pediatrics Sep 1981Reports of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of human milk have raised questions about the possible risks of breast-feeding and whether nursing mothers ought... (Review)
Review
Reports of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of human milk have raised questions about the possible risks of breast-feeding and whether nursing mothers ought to have their breast milk tested. Current data on contamination of human milk are needed so that pediatricians can make informed recommendations about breast milk testing and breast-feeding. With consideration of recent findings of PCB contamination of human milk in Michigan, recommendations concerning breast milk testing and breast-feeding are made. No major changes in current breast-feeding practices are advised. However, breast milk testing is recommended for certain nursing mothers who have had potentially high exposure to PCBs. Limiting the duration of breast-feeding may also be advisable for mothers with high PCB milk fat levels in order to reduce infant exposure to PCBs.
Topics: Body Burden; Breast Feeding; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human; Pesticide Residues; Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PubMed: 6792587
DOI: No ID Found -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2018In this manuscript, we describe the process of establishing partnerships for community-based environmental exposure research, the tools and methods implemented for data...
In this manuscript, we describe the process of establishing partnerships for community-based environmental exposure research, the tools and methods implemented for data report-back to community members, and the results of evaluations of these efforts. Data discovery and report-back materials developed by Statistics for Action (SFA) were employed as the framework to communicate the environmental data to community members and workshops. These data communication and research translation efforts are described in detail and evaluated for effectiveness based on feedback provided from community members who attended the workshops. Overall, the methods were mostly effective for the intended data communication.
Topics: Communication; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PubMed: 29079973
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0286-6 -
Chemosphere Oct 2005Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are abundant and persistent environmental contaminants, which tend to accumulate through the food chain. Because of the toxic potential...
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are abundant and persistent environmental contaminants, which tend to accumulate through the food chain. Because of the toxic potential of these compounds, body burden should be kept as low as possible e.g. by taking dietary measures. In the present report, the effect of wheat bran consumption on absorption of dietary PCBs as well as on excretion of previously absorbed PCBs was investigated in rats. Moreover, the accumulation of 7 reference PCB congeners in liver and abdominal adipose tissue was studied. Faecal excretion of dietary PCBs was significantly higher in rats fed wheat bran compared to its placebo. As a result, apparent PCB digestibility was diminished, but not enough to significantly affect PCB accumulation in liver and abdominal adipose tissue. Furthermore, excretion of previously absorbed PCBs following switching of the rats to a control diet without added PCBs was enhanced by wheat bran fibre intake, although to a much lesser extent than excretion of PCBs originating directly from the diet. Consequently, stimulation of PCB clearance from liver and abdominal adipose tissue due to wheat bran consumption was not detectable. Although no preferential absorption of PCB congeners was observed, PCB patterns in tissues obviously differed from the dietary PCB pattern. This was mainly due to PCBs 52 and 101, which were metabolised in the body. Moreover, reduced levels of PCB 138 were found in liver, while PCB 28 and 138 were predominantly present in adipose tissue. The experiment also demonstrated that PCB redistribution from the liver to the adipose tissue occurs.
Topics: Absorption; Adipose Tissue; Animal Feed; Animals; Body Burden; Dietary Fiber; Environmental Pollutants; Feces; Liver; Male; Placebos; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 16182854
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.02.086 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jan 2023Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) accumulates in adipose where it may impact the growth and function of cells within the tissue. This is particularly concerning during...
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) accumulates in adipose where it may impact the growth and function of cells within the tissue. This is particularly concerning during adolescence when adipocytes expand rapidly. Herein, we sought to understand how exposure to PCB mixtures found in U.S. schools affects human adipose mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) health and function. We investigated how exposure to Aroclor 1016 and Aroclor 1254, as well as a newly characterized non-Aroclor mixture that resembles the PCB profile found in cabinets, Cabinet Mixture, affects adipose MSC growth, viability, and function in vitro. We found that exposure to all three mixtures resulted in two distinct types of toxicity. At PCB concentrations >20 μM, the majority of MSCs die, while at 1-10 μM, MSCs remained viable but display numerous alterations to their phenotype. At these sublethal concentrations, the MSC rate of expansion slowed and morphology changed. Further assessment revealed that PCB-exposed MSCs had impaired adipogenesis and a modest decrease in immunosuppressive capabilities. Thus, exposure to PCB mixtures found in schools negatively impacts the health and function of adipose MSCs. This work has implications for human health due to MSCs' role in supporting the growth and maintenance of adipose tissue.
Topics: Humans; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Aroclors; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Adipose Tissue; Stromal Cells
PubMed: 36651682
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07281 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Dec 2018The production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been banned globally for decades, but PCB concentrations in environmental media remain relatively high, especially...
The production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been banned globally for decades, but PCB concentrations in environmental media remain relatively high, especially in urban areas. Emissions estimates, studies of soil gradients between urban and rural areas, and quantitative identification of regional sources of PCBs in soils are necessary for understanding the environmental behavior of PCBs. In this study, regional PCB emissions were estimated at a resolution of 10 km × 10 km, and the spatial distribution of soil PCBs from urban to rural areas was studied along the Bohai and Yellow Sea regions. Compared with rural areas, mean PCB concentrations in urban soils (20.7 ng/g) were found to be higher, and concentrations decreased with distance from the city. Across both latitude and longitude directions, high PCB emissions in urban areas matched the distribution of total PCB concentrations in soils. The concentrations of the pollutants PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB118, PCB138, PCB153, and PCB180 in soils originated from 5-year emissions, and accounted for 97%, 95%, 84%, 81%, 58%, 57%, and 27% of the total emissions, respectively. Unintentionally produced PCB (UP-PCB) emissions, which are mainly derived from cement (42%), pig iron (37%), crude steel (18%), and rolled steel (3%) industries, are the major contributors to PCBs in soils. Further identification of the sources and fates of PCBs requires a combination of field, laboratory, and modeling efforts.
Topics: Biphenyl Compounds; Cities; Environmental Monitoring; Industry; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Soil; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 30216881
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.027 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Jul 2013This study aimed to determine the kinetics of contamination and decontamination of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in milk of lactating goats. Four goats were fed during 39 days with...
This study aimed to determine the kinetics of contamination and decontamination of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in milk of lactating goats. Four goats were fed during 39 days with corn silage collected in an area accidentally contaminated and then with uncontaminated silage during 20 days. Concentrations of DL-PCBs + PCDD/Fs in milk exceeded rapidly (<15 days) the European limit value and approached steady state after 5 weeks. The decontamination kinetics in milk included first a rapid elimination phase (<10 days) followed by a slower elimination phase of 33, 51, and 59 days for DL-PCBs, NDL-PCBs, and PCDD/Fs, respectively. Therefore, in lactating goats, PCBs and PCDD/Fs contaminated forage raises concerns in terms of food safety. The study also indicates that a decontamination process of lactating animals remains feasible; 20 days was considered to be sufficient to obtain a DL-PCBs + PCDD/Fs level in milk below the regulatory value.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Decontamination; Female; Food Contamination; Goats; Half-Life; Kinetics; Lactation; Milk; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Silage; Zea mays
PubMed: 23822602
DOI: 10.1021/jf401048j -
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Mar 2010The present study examined polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) elimination rates in overwintering green frogs (Rana clamitans) to determine if changes in chemical activity...
The present study examined polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) elimination rates in overwintering green frogs (Rana clamitans) to determine if changes in chemical activity occurred during hibernation. Adult green frogs were dosed with a 1:1:1 ratio of Aroclors 1248:1254:1260 in sunflower oil and allowed to enter into hibernation. Frogs were collected at four time points over the course of 85 days. Significant PCB elimination rates ranged from 0.0027 to 0.0376 d(-1). A negative correlation was found between K(OW) and elimination rate. Over the course of the present study, a decrease in total body percent lipid was measured. There was an overall increase in fugacity of higher K(OW) compounds corresponding to the relatively rapid decrease in lipid content. Congeners in metabolic group 2 (meta-para vicinal hydrogen atoms) were preferentially eliminated over those in metabolic group 3 (ortho-meta vicinal hydrogen atoms), suggesting that biotransformation was occurring during hibernation. It was concluded that metabolic activity during hibernation, associated with water temperature, was sufficiently high to reduce lipid concentrations and increase chemical activity in emerging adults.
Topics: Animals; Hibernation; Lipid Metabolism; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Ranidae; Regression Analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 20821497
DOI: 10.1002/etc.90