Organochlorines in New York and the Hudson River: Sources, Environmental Distribution, and Health Risks

Overview

Health Effects

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

• Cancer Probability

  Some studies performed on workers indicate that PCBs can cause liver and biliary tract cancer in humans. Rats exposed to PCBs over a period of two years developed liver cancer. Several national organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Agency, and the Federal Department of Health and Human Services agree that PCBs are a probable human carcinogen.

• Effects to the Immune System

  PCBs have been found to suppress the immune system of animals and are considered likely to do the same in humans. A study of Rhesus monkeys, whose immune systems are very similar to those of humans, showed that PCBs depressed immune system capacity to fight infections. Studies are currently underway to determine the effects of PCBs on the human immune system.

• Effects to the Endocrine System

  There is evidence that PCBs have adverse effects on the human endocrine system. The endocrine system, also known as the "hormone system," and consists of glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, ovaries, and testes. The endocrine system regulates growth and development. Studies in fish and other wildlife have found that PCBs may be endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that behave like hormones and can disrupt normal bodily functions. Studies are underway to investigate endocrine disruption particularly in human sex organs.

• Effects on Children

  Negative effects have been shown in the reproductive systems of women exposed to high levels of PCBs. Babies born to women exposed to PCBs through breast milk showed decreased birth weights and a higher incidence of premature birth. Children also showed abnormal responses to behavioral tests, including problems with short-term memory and motor skills.

• Preventing Exposure to PCBs

  People can avoid high levels of PCB contamination by not eating fish caught in contaminated areas. Children should be discouraged from playing in soil near contaminated sites and should wash their hands frequently.

Organochlorines

Dioxins

DDT

Chlordane

Dieldrin

Mercury