Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals comprising 209 individual compounds with varying levels of toxicity. Their chemical stability, non-flammability, and electrical insulating properties made them highly valuable in a range of industrial and commercial applications.
Despite being banned several decades ago, PCBs continue to pose a risk of exposure to humans. How is this happening? Well, that is precisely what we will explore in this article. We will learn where they are coming from and what effect they have on the human body.
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What Are The Sources of PCB Exposure
Even in 2023, the sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) exposure remain multifaceted and encompass various aspects of daily life. Here are the notable sources:
Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures in Schools
A significant concern is the presence of PCBs in thousands of school buildings across the nation. These toxic chemicals pose a continuing risk to the health and safety of both students and staff.
One reason PCBs continue to be found in schools is that the 1979 ban did not require the removal or replacement of materials containing PCBs. As a result, many older buildings still contain original materials like caulk, paint, and electrical equipment that include these toxic substances.
Airborne Exposure
Airborne PCB exposure, particularly on hot days, can also be dangerous. PCB substances can vaporize into the air and result in significant exposure. Experts like Keri Hornbuckle believe that airborne exposure is an ongoing challenge, even today.
Environmental Persistence
PCBs, owing to their resistance to degradation, continue to persist in soils, sediments, and water bodies, thus contributing to ongoing exposure. They are chiefly encountered through environmental mediums, and although their manufacture ceased in the United States, their legacy persists.
Contaminated Aquatic Ecosystems
Studies have been directed towards understanding and addressing the accumulation of PCBs in aquatic ecosystems. For instance, the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., which faces ongoing contamination, is under scrutiny to understand the PCB accumulation in organisms.
In this context, strategies such as the use of carbon pellets (SediMite) to bind PCBs in contaminated sediments are being explored. If successful, they can help mitigate the risks associated with PCB exposure.
How Does PCB Exposure Affect People?
PCBs are notorious for their detrimental impact on human health. The exposure pathways are varied and include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. They can be present in contaminated food, air, water, and soil, which makes them hard to avoid. Let’s look at what this means, health-wise.
1. Cancer
One of the deadliest PCB exposure symptoms is an increased risk of liver, brain, or breast cancer. PCBs are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there is sufficient evidence to establish their carcinogenicity in humans.
According to TorHoerman Law, awareness is the first step in staying safe. Be alert to potential PCB sources in your environment. If you can’t avoid the exposure, the CDC recommends flushing the exposed area with lots of water. Also, get rid of any contaminated clothes.
It is very tough to reduce PCB absorption in the respiratory tract, making lung cancer easy to contract.
2. Neurological Disorders
PCB exposure has been implicated in a host of neurological disorders. Research has also shown that exposure, especially during early development, can lead to cognitive deficits, a reduced attention span, and lowered IQ levels in children.
Moreover, there’s emerging evidence associating PCB exposure with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
3. Reproductive and Endocrine Disruption
PCBs are known endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormone systems. They can affect fertility, cause developmental delays in children, and have been associated with menstrual irregularities and other reproductive disorders.
The mimicry or interference of hormones can have cascading effects on various physiological processes.
What Does the Future Hold?
The persistence of PCBs in the environment, despite being banned several decades ago, underscores a lingering challenge that necessitates a robust and sustained response.
The evolution of remediation technologies is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing PCB contamination. Innovations such as bioremediation, chemical degradation, and advanced filtration systems are likely to gain traction.
Moreover, the development and deployment of more effective monitoring and detection systems will enhance the identification and management of PCB-contaminated sites.
Stringent regulatory frameworks and adherence to international conventions like the Stockholm Convention will be paramount for curbing PCB exposure. The reinforcement of policies that mandate the proper disposal and management of PCB-containing equipment and materials will also help reduce exposure levels.
Conclusion
It is unfortunate that, despite being outlawed for decades, people are still suffering from the effects of PCBs. A lot of people are also completely unaware that they even need to be on the lookout for PCB sources. There needs to be a lot more awareness creation, both from official sources and environmental agencies.
Thankfully, there is some movement happening. In 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with new regulatory changes in the PCB cleanup and disposal program. Hopefully, stronger safety measures will be taken and enforced in the years ahead.