Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful synthetic chemicals known for their toxicity and persistence. They were extensively employed as a plasticizer in building materials and as an oil additive in electrical equipment. The manufacturing and use of PCBs were banned by Congress in 1979.
Appearing as oily liquids or solids, with a clear to yellow color and no discernible smell or taste, PCBs are highly stable mixtures that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure.
While their stability is advantageous in some applications, it poses a significant risk to the environment. PCBs exhibit persistence, remaining in soil, water, and sediment for extended periods without breaking down. This stability also raises concerns for human health, particularly among workers in industrial settings closely associated with this chemical.
Let’s explore the adverse health effects of PCB exposure across industries.
The Legacy of PCBs
PCBs were once prized for their insulating and stabilizing properties, leading to their extensive use in various industrial applications. However, as the adverse health effects of PCBs became apparent, their production and use were banned or heavily regulated in many parts of the world.
Despite these regulatory measures, PCBs remain present in older equipment, posing a continued threat to workers in industries where these materials were historically used.
The Hazardous Health Effects of PCBs
Carcinogenicity
PCBs are classified as Group 1 human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure to PCBs has been linked to an increased risk of developing various cancers, including liver cancer and breast cancer, posing a serious threat to human health.
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
PCBs are notorious for their ability to cross the placental barrier, exposing developing fetuses to their harmful effects. This exposure during pregnancy has been associated with an elevated risk of birth defects, such as neurological and developmental abnormalities, impacting a child’s cognitive and motor skills later in life.
Immunotoxicity
PCBs have been shown to suppress the immune system’s functions, compromising the body’s ability to defend against diseases. This immunotoxic effect increases the vulnerability of individuals exposed to PCBs, making them more prone to illnesses and infections.
Neurotoxicity
The nervous system is particularly susceptible to PCB-induced damage. Studies have demonstrated that PCB exposure can result in neurotoxic effects, manifesting as impaired learning and memory, as well as disruptions in behavior and motor function. These neurological consequences underscore the severe impact PCBs can have on cognitive and motor skills.
Endocrine Disruption
PCBs possess endocrine-disrupting properties, interfering with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. This disruption can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting reproductive health and contributing to reproductive and developmental abnormalities.
Additionally, PCBs can interfere with thyroid function, further exacerbating the range of health issues associated with their exposure.
Identifying Potential Exposure Points
Understanding where PCB exposure may occur is essential for developing effective risk mitigation strategies. In industrial workplaces, potential exposure points include:
Older Electrical Equipment
PCBs were commonly used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors. Older facilities may still have equipment containing PCBs, and maintenance or repair work on such equipment can pose a risk of exposure.
Hydraulic Systems
Some industrial machinery and equipment utilized PCBs in hydraulic fluids. Workers involved in the maintenance and operation of such systems may be at risk of exposure if proper precautions are not taken.
Construction and Renovation Activities
PCBs were once used in construction materials such as sealants and paints. Renovation or demolition activities in older buildings may release PCBs into the air, putting workers at risk.
Metalworking Processes
Certain cutting oils and hydraulic fluids used in metalworking processes may contain PCBs. Workers in metalworking industries need to be aware of potential exposure during these processes.
PCB Exposure in Industrial Workplaces Across the USA
PCB chemicals, known for their detrimental impact on human and environmental health, were banned in the U.S. in 1979. The period spanning from the 1920s until the ban saw the production of an estimated 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs, utilized in various products like electrical insulators, capacitors, and household appliances such as refrigerators and televisions.
Preceding the 1979 ban, PCBs found their way into the air, water, and soil during manufacturing and usage. These chemicals were also present in certain building materials and antiquated fluorescent lighting fixtures discovered in schools nationwide.
Among those most frequently exposed to PCBs are school children and educators. Workers in professions with prolonged PCB exposure have reported a range of health issues, including immune system dysfunction, liver damage, respiratory problems, cancer, and more.
Individuals affected by PCB exposure are filing a PCB exposure lawsuit seeking financial accountability from negligent companies. These legal actions aim to cover the costs of remediating contaminated areas and compensate individuals who have suffered physical harm due to PCB exposure.
As per TorHoerman Law, the majority of lawsuits target companies involved in the 20th-century manufacturing of electrical equipment and devices that utilized PCBs. These companies include Monsanto Company, General Electric (GE), Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Siemens, and various capacitor manufacturers.
Monsanto, which halted PCB production in 1977, faces allegations in lawsuits linking exposure to PCBs at the Sky Valley center to various health problems, including cancer and thyroid conditions.
Additionally, over 500 General Electric Co. employees have filed lawsuits against Monsanto Co. and two related companies, claiming exposure to toxic chemicals manufactured by Monsanto over several decades.
In Conclusion
The risks associated with PCB exposure in industrial workplaces are significant, but with proactive measures and a commitment to worker safety, these risks can be mitigated. Identifying potential exposure points, implementing control measures, and fostering a culture of awareness are key components of a comprehensive strategy to protect workers from the harmful effects of PCBs.
As industries evolve and regulations continue to prioritize health and safety, the goal is to create workplaces that not only thrive in productivity but also prioritize the well-being of those who contribute to their success.