Abstract
BackgroundPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely distributed in the environment and may have adverse effects on the immune system.MethodsLipid adjusted serum levels of 19 Dioxin Like (DL), 17 Non Dioxin Like (NDL) PCBs, 5 OCPs, and measures of complete blood count and routine biochemistry profile were obtained from the NHANES 2003-2004 cycle. For each of the PCB/OCP variables, individuals were put into four exposure groups and blood markers were compared across these groups.ResultsSerum levels of PCBs and OCPs increased with age. Total white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, and hematocrit measures were lowest in the group with the highest serum PCBs. Results for the OCPs varied. For Mirex, WBC declined in the highest exposure; no significant differences were observed for p-p’-DDT or p-p’-DDE; and higher levels of WBC were observed at the highest exposure groups of serum trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT) were significantly higher in the highest exposure groups of PCBs/OCPs.ConclusionsWe observed significant associations between PCB/OCP levels and blood markers in the general population. All of the levels were within normal ranges but the consistency of results is remarkable and may reflect subclinical effects. Largest differences were observed for NDL PCBs. Thus, routine application of toxic equivalency factors, which assume dioxin like mechanisms and aryl hydrocarbon receptor involvement, may not adequately reflect the effects of NDL PCBs in the mixture.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1476-069X-13-114) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely distributed in the environment and may have adverse effects on the immune system
The human immune system is highly sensitive to toxic effects but little is known of the long term effects of low exposures to PCBs or OCPs in the general population
Serum levels of PCBs (DL and Non Dioxin Like (NDL)) and of organochlorine pesticides are positively associated with age and were highest among the oldest members of the population
Summary
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely distributed in the environment and may have adverse effects on the immune system. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants that have been linked to many health concerns involving the liver, skin, reproductive, endocrine, neurological and immune system [1,2,3,4]. An argument was made that the positions of chlorine atoms and not their total number is more predictive for biotransformation and elimination [8]. The main objective of this study is to examine possible associations between blood levels of selected PCBs, organochlorine pesticides and common hematologic and immune markers, such as blood count and blood biochemistry data in a group representative of the United States general population using data of the National Health Examination and Survey 2003-2004
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