Toxic Exposure

Question 1

What is the impact of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on human health?

Accepted Answer

PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens and have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including disruptions in the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems.

Long-term exposure to PCBs is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer and may lead to developmental problems in children.

Question 2

How do PCBs accumulate in fish?

Accepted Answer

Fish absorb PCBs from their environment through their gills and diet.

These compounds are lipophilic, meaning they accumulate in organisms’ fatty tissues and increase in concentration up the food chain through a process known as biomagnification.

Question 3

Can you reduce your exposure to PCBs from fish consumption, and if so, how?

Accepted Answer

Consumers can reduce their PCB intake by choosing fish lower on the food chain, where PCB levels are generally lower, and by trimming and cooking methods that reduce fat, where PCBs are commonly stored.

Question 4

What are the regulations regarding PCB levels in fish and seafood?

Accepted Answer

Governments have established guidelines and action levels for PCBs in fish and seafood to protect human health.

In the United States, the EPA has set a guideline of 0.02 mg/kg of PCBs in fish and shellfish consumed by humans.

Question 5

What roles did PCBs serve in industrial applications before their ban?

Accepted Answer

Due to their chemical stability and insulating properties, PCBs were used in a variety of industrial applications before their ban in the 1970s, including as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment.

Question 6

How does the contamination of water bodies with PCBs affect aquatic life?

Accepted Answer

PCBs in aquatic environments harm wildlife by causing reproductive, developmental, and immune system problems in fish and other aquatic organisms.

These contaminants can also lead to changes in behavior and increased mortality rates in fish populations.

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