Running head: PCB & LEAD POISONING 1
PCB and Lead Poisoning
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
, PCB & LEAD POISONING 2
1. Identify and define all exposure and health risks from PCBs and lead.
The EPA together with the IARC has consistently categorized polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCB) as a possible human carcinogen. Additionally, the NTP has gone a step further to state
that PCBs are fairly likely to be human carcinogens. Some other bodies have even stated that
PCBs can be categorized as occupational carcinogens.
More studies have shown that consistent use of PCBs has a direct relation to cancers such
as hepatocellular carcinomas, melanomas, GIT cancers, cancers of the CNS and gallbladder
cancer, there are also additional studies that show a link between PCBs and breast cancers
(Fisher, Pain, & Thomas, 2006). Experiments done in animals have consistently indicated that
PCBs are fairly carcinogenic.
Acute toxic effects
Huge exposure to PCBs leads to acute toxic effects such as respiratory irritation through
the nose or lungs, skin irritation, or even at times people have experienced serious rashes and
acne. Eye irritation is also common.
PCBs lead to developmental effects
PCBs in a similar manner to lead have also shown signs of central nervous system abuse
during the developmental phase. The result of this is children who have huge neurological
defects and motor coordination problems such as poor memory and significantly low Intelligence
Quotients.
An experiment on the effects of PCBs to pregnant women done in a university in
Michigan showed that children exposed to PCBs during the gestational period had characteristics
PCB and Lead Poisoning
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
, PCB & LEAD POISONING 2
1. Identify and define all exposure and health risks from PCBs and lead.
The EPA together with the IARC has consistently categorized polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCB) as a possible human carcinogen. Additionally, the NTP has gone a step further to state
that PCBs are fairly likely to be human carcinogens. Some other bodies have even stated that
PCBs can be categorized as occupational carcinogens.
More studies have shown that consistent use of PCBs has a direct relation to cancers such
as hepatocellular carcinomas, melanomas, GIT cancers, cancers of the CNS and gallbladder
cancer, there are also additional studies that show a link between PCBs and breast cancers
(Fisher, Pain, & Thomas, 2006). Experiments done in animals have consistently indicated that
PCBs are fairly carcinogenic.
Acute toxic effects
Huge exposure to PCBs leads to acute toxic effects such as respiratory irritation through
the nose or lungs, skin irritation, or even at times people have experienced serious rashes and
acne. Eye irritation is also common.
PCBs lead to developmental effects
PCBs in a similar manner to lead have also shown signs of central nervous system abuse
during the developmental phase. The result of this is children who have huge neurological
defects and motor coordination problems such as poor memory and significantly low Intelligence
Quotients.
An experiment on the effects of PCBs to pregnant women done in a university in
Michigan showed that children exposed to PCBs during the gestational period had characteristics
