Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were used in many construction products until their banning in the 1970s and 1980s. Nonetheless, exposure to PCBs from contaminated indoor air is still an important public health issue. The aim of our study was to estimate the contribution of PCB congeners in indoor air to the levels of PCBs in human blood. We analyzed all 209 PCB congeners in the blood of 35 individuals exposed to PCBs from contaminated indoor air. For each individual, we measured the six marker indicators PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB138, PCB153 and PCB180 in indoor air at the workplace. Statistically significant correlations between PCB-contaminated indoor air and the existence of the sum of mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and pentachlorinated biphenyls (∑PCB1–127) in the blood of the exposed individuals were found. We quantified the proportions of PCBs that are absorbed into the blood via inhalation of contaminated indoor air. Inhalation of PCBs from contaminated indoor air, especially in children, adolescents and younger adults, may lead to PCB blood burdens that are higher than general PCB background levels or in approximately the same range.
Highlights
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic products of solely anthropogenic origin
In Kraft et al [13], we presented the relationship between exposure to monochlorinated, dichlorinated and trichlorinated biphenyls (∑PCB1–39) in indoor air and blood concentrations of the 35 individuals included in the study
This study provides an approach to quantify the proportion of inhaled PCBs based on indicator congeners in indoor air and all 209 PCBs (∑PCB1–209) in the blood of exposed individuals
Summary
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic products of solely anthropogenic origin. These chemicals were commonly used in commercial mixtures with different levels of chlorination. Each PCB congener has a common structure of a biphenyl molecule with 1 to 10 chlorine atoms attached. 1,300,000 tons of PCBs were produced over a period of approximately 60 years worldwide, with a global production peak in 1970. PCBs have been used for various technical applications, such as transformers, capacitors, paints, sealants and flame retardants. Because of their very harmful effects on the environment and human health, PCBs were banned in most states in the 1970s and 1980s
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
