What Are Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic chemicals manufactured by Monsanto and used in various industrial and commercial applications from the 1930s to the 1970s.

PCBs have no known smell or taste and can have the consistency of thin, light-colored oily liquids to yellow or black waxy solids.

PCBs were widely used for their exceptional electrical insulating properties, heat resistance, and chemical stability.

They were present in various electrical devices such as PCB transformers, PCB capacitors, old fluorescent lighting fixtures, voltage regulators, railway transformers, on industrial sites, and more.

PCBs were also used for a variety of non-electrical purposes and in applications that required a level of fire resistance, including in paints, varnishes, caulking, coolants, lubricants, carbonless copy paper, plasticizers, and pigments.

Due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment, authorities stopped the manufacture of PCBs in the United States in 1977.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned their use by issuing regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

However, the agency still allowed particular production and use of PCBs under specific regulatory conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that exposure to PCBs can cause numerous adverse human health effects.

Through various applications, PCBs have been released into the environment and are now found in soils, sediments, air, water, food, and products made before the ban.

Most commercial PCB mixtures are recognizable in the country by their industrial trade names like Aroclor and Askarel.

Why Are PCBs a Concern for Human Health?

Despite their widespread industrial uses, PCBs have proven hazardous to human health and the environment.

The concern arises from their remarkable persistence, resistance to degradation, and bioaccumulation ability.

PCBs can persist in the surroundings and the human body long after exposure.

Once they enter the body, PCBs can accumulate in fat tissues and organs, particularly in the adipose tissue.

PCB health effects can range from mild symptoms such as skin irritation and rashes to severe issues like cancer.

Health experts link prenatal PCB exposure to developmental problems in children, such as birth defects and learning disabilities.

People may be exposed to PCBs through various sources, such as contaminated food, air, and water.

Those living near industrial plants and hazardous waste sites may also face an increased risk of higher PCB levels due to emissions and leaks releasing PCBs into the environment.

Individuals, especially children, may be potentially exposed to PCBs in schools through contaminated building materials, such as caulking and fluorescent light ballasts, present in structures built or renovated between the 1950s and 1970s.

Given the pervasive nature of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their widespread environmental contamination, it’s likely that virtually every person on Earth has been exposed to these chemicals at some level, with these persistent pollutants being detected thousands of miles from their original use sites, including in regions as remote as the Arctic.

Biodurability of PCBs

PCBs are exceptionally durable due to their unique chemical properties.

PCBs are highly resistant to heat, acids, and bases, which makes them difficult to break down.

PCBs do not readily degrade in the environment, which is why they can persist in soil, water, and air for extended periods.

These chemicals can exist in various forms, including individual PCB congeners (chemical variants) with different chlorination levels.

The extent of chlorination is a critical determinant of both the persistence and the toxicity of these compounds; congeners with higher degrees of chlorination are notably more persistent in the environment, thereby posing greater challenges for natural degradation processes.

This persistence is a significant concern due to the bioaccumulative nature of PCBs, leading to their concentration in the tissues of living organisms over time and potentially resulting in adverse health effects.

The global distribution of PCBs, facilitated by their presence in the atmosphere and their ability to travel long distances from their original source, underscores the widespread environmental and health implications of their biodurability.

Routes of Exposure to PCBs

PCB exposures can occur through several routes, as documented by historical PCB contamination events, their widespread use in different industries, occupational exposure reports, and more.

The routes of exposure to PCBs encompass a diverse array of scenarios, reflecting their broad use in various applications before bans were implemented.

The presence of PCBs in older school buildings highlights a specific and concerning pathway for exposure, where these chemicals can be found in building materials and electrical equipment.

This situation underscores the direct risk to children and educators, emphasizing the enduring legacy of PCBs in public spaces.

Beyond specific sites like schools, historical contamination events and occupational exposures in industries tasked with PCB removal or maintenance of aged equipment illustrate the widespread nature of potential contact with these chemicals.

The global dispersion of PCBs, finding their way into environments far removed from their points of use, further complicates exposure routes, including through air, water, and food chains.

This intricate network of exposure pathways showcases the need for targeted and comprehensive public health strategies to mitigate the risks posed by PCBs, especially in environments designed for education and child development.

PCBs in Schools

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants found in older buildings, including schools, primarily due to their use in construction materials and electrical equipment before the 1980s.

Many schools built or renovated between the 1950s and 1980s may still contain PCBs in caulking, sealants, paint, and fluorescent light ballasts.

Studies have estimated that the number of schools likely to contain PCBs is in the range of 12,960 to 25,920 school buildings across the United States.

Exposure to PCBs in the school environment raises concerns due to their potential impact on children’s health, including developmental and neurological effects.

The durability of PCBs means they can linger in the environment, leading to chronic exposure for students and staff.

Mitigation and remediation efforts in schools can be complex and costly, involving the removal or sealing of PCB-containing materials and updating old electrical fixtures.

Air quality assessments and environmental testing are crucial for identifying PCB presence and concentration levels in school buildings.

Awareness and education about PCBs among school administrators, teachers, and parents are vital for ensuring a safe learning environment.

Our law firm is currently investigating PCB exposure risks in school buildings.

Several lawsuits filed against Monsanto have resulted in significant jury verdicts awarded to students, staff, and parents who suffered from PCB exposure in schools.

Ingestion of PCB Contaminated Food

Consuming contaminated food is a possible way for PCBs to enter the human body.

Fish consumption is a primary concern in regard to PCB contaminated food.

PCBs accumulate in the fatty tissues of fish, making them a common source of exposure.

Those who have consumed PCB-contaminated fish regularly or for extended periods are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse health effects.

While eating contaminated fish is a significant concern, other food sources such as meat, vegetables, and dairy products may also contain detectable levels of PCBs.

It is essential to be aware of the origins of your food and seek guidance from local health authorities on any potential contamination.

Dermal Contact with PCBs

Dermal exposure to PCBs occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with materials or surfaces contaminated with these toxic compounds, such as soil, dust, or equipment containing PCB-laden oils and fluids.

Dermal exposure is especially relevant in environments where PCBs were historically used or disposed of, including certain industrial settings, waste handling facilities, and older structures with PCB-containing building materials.

Although dermal absorption of PCBs is generally slower and may result in lower systemic levels than ingestion or inhalation, it can still contribute to the body’s overall PCB burden, particularly through prolonged or repeated contact.

Workers in electrical, construction, and demolition industries face higher risks due to potential encounters with PCB-containing transformers, capacitors, and sealants.

Protective measures, such as wearing gloves and other barrier garments, are essential in minimizing dermal exposure in these high-risk settings.

Inadvertent hand-to-mouth activities after touching contaminated surfaces can increase the risk of ingestion, highlighting the importance of good hygiene practices.

In older schools and office buildings, aging caulk and paint may release PCBs into the air, which then settle on surfaces, creating potential for dermal exposure.

Regular monitoring and remediation efforts are crucial to identify and mitigate PCB sources, ensuring the safety of occupants in potentially affected environments.

Inhalation of PCBs

Inhalation of PCBs can occur in environments where these chemicals are volatilized into the air, posing a risk of exposure through the respiratory system.

Activities such as the demolition or renovation of older buildings containing PCB-laden materials, such as caulking, sealants, and paint, can release PCBs into the air.

Industrial processes that involve the use or disposal of PCBs can also emit these compounds into the surrounding environment, potentially affecting workers and nearby communities.

Incineration of PCB-contaminated waste without proper controls is another source of airborne PCBs, contributing to environmental pollution and human exposure.

In areas surrounding hazardous waste sites or landfills where PCBs have been improperly disposed of, wind erosion can resuspend PCB-contaminated dust, increasing inhalation risks.

Indoor environments, particularly in older buildings with inadequate ventilation, can accumulate higher concentrations of PCBs from deteriorating materials, leading to prolonged exposure for occupants.

Schools and residential buildings constructed or renovated with PCB-containing materials before the 1980s are of particular concern, as daily activities can disturb these materials, releasing PCBs.

Implementing air quality monitoring, proper ventilation, and remediation measures in high-risk areas can significantly reduce the risk of PCB exposure through inhalation, protecting public health.

PCBs in Breast Milk

PCBs accumulated in a mother’s body can be passed on to a nursing baby through breast milk, potentially causing harm.

This route of exposure is particularly alarming due to the vulnerability of infants and the critical development stages they undergo.

Studies have documented the presence of PCBs in breast milk of women who were exposed to the toxic substances, underscoring the potential for infants to ingest these chemicals early in life.

Such exposure can lead to developmental effects, including cognitive and motor development delays, immune system impacts, and altered growth patterns.

Prenatal exposure, compounded by postnatal exposure through breast milk, may amplify the health risks associated with PCBs, affecting infants’ neurological development and endocrine functions.

Public health initiatives and policies aimed at reducing PCB contamination in the environment ultimately protect maternal and infant health, ensuring safer breastfeeding practices.

PCB Accumulation in the Body Explained

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are persistent environmental pollutants that have the capacity to accumulate in the human body over time, posing significant health risks.

PCBs are lipophilic, meaning they target fat tissues where they can reside and accumulate for years.

The body’s inability to effectively break down PCBs is due to their complex chemical structure, which resists metabolic processes.

Chronic and prolonged exposure to PCBs, even at low levels, can lead to significant bioaccumulation.

Bioaccumulation is a process where the concentration of PCBs in an organism grows over time as absorption rates exceed the body’s ability to excrete these substances.

The persistent nature of PCBs in the environment means that they can cycle through air, water, soil, and living organisms, creating numerous pathways for human exposure.

Once ingested or absorbed, PCBs can distribute throughout the body, binding to proteins and storing in fatty tissues, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.

This distribution and storage can lead to an array of adverse health effects, ranging from neurological and reproductive issues to immune suppression and an increased risk of certain cancers.

As mentioned, PCBs may remain in older buildings, including schools, where they continue to pose a risk of chronic exposure to occupants.

In schools, PCBs can be found in caulking, fluorescent lighting fixtures, and old electrical equipment, releasing airborne particles that can be inhaled or settle on surfaces and objects that students and staff touch.

The risk is particularly concerning for young children, who are more susceptible to the toxic effects of PCBs due to their developing bodies and behaviors that increase exposure, such as hand-to-mouth activities.

Factors Influencing How Long PCBs Stay in the Body

The duration PCBs remain in the human body is influenced by several factors, making their persistence and bioaccumulation a complex issue.

The specific type of PCB congener—referring to the individual PCB compounds differentiated by the number and position of chlorine atoms—plays a crucial role, as some congeners are more resistant to metabolic breakdown than others.

The route of exposure, whether through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact, can affect how PCBs are absorbed, metabolized, and eventually excreted.

An individual’s metabolic rate also impacts the speed at which PCBs are processed and eliminated, with variations in age, gender, and overall health contributing to this rate.

The fat content of a person’s diet can influence PCB accumulation, as these compounds are lipophilic and more readily stored in fatty tissues.

Ongoing or repeated exposure to PCB-contaminated environments can continually replenish PCB levels in the body, hindering their elimination and compounding their long-term health effects.

Type of PCB Congeners

PCB congeners have various biological half-lives, meaning they break down in the body at different rates.

Highly chlorinated congeners tend to have longer half-lives, which means they persist in the body for a more extended period.

The duration of PCBs in the body can vary based on the specific PCB congener and its level of chlorination.

PCB Exposure Levels

Intensity and duration of exposure to PCBs plays a significant role.

Frequent or prolonged exposure to PCBs can lead to higher accumulation levels in the body.

Working or attending a school that contains PCB laden materials can continually expose a person for hours a day and years at a time.

Eating contaminated food regularly or working in an occupation with high PCB exposure can result in more intense and prolonged durations of PCBs in the body.

Metabolic Rate

Individual metabolic rates influence how fast the body breaks down and eliminates PCBs.

Those with faster metabolic rates may process and eliminate PCBs more quickly.

Age, diet, lifestyle, and certain medications can all affect the body’s ability to metabolize PCBs, potentially prolonging their duration in the body.

Individual Health

An individual’s overall health can impact the body’s ability to process and eliminate PCBs.

Health conditions affecting liver function, where most PCB metabolism occurs, can slow the elimination process.

Other health factors, such as immune system function and hormonal balance, can also play a role in the duration of PCBs in the body.

Health Implications of PCB Exposure

Understanding the duration of PCBs in the body is essential because PCBs are connected to several serious health effects, both short-term and long-term.

The persistence of PCBs in the body underscores the importance of addressing exposures even at low levels, as the cumulative effect over time can escalate the risk of adverse health outcomes.

The bioaccumulative nature of PCBs means that even small, repeated exposures can lead to significant body burdens, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring in environments known to be contaminated.

The ability of PCBs to remain in the body for extended periods highlights the critical window of exposure and the potential for delayed health effects, making early detection and intervention crucial.

The diverse mechanisms of action of different PCB congeners suggest a wide spectrum of potential health implications, reinforcing the complexity of assessing and managing PCB-related health risks.

PCBs and Cancer

PCBs have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as probable human carcinogens, linking them to an increased risk of developing various types of cancer.

PCBs have been associated with various types of cancer, including:

• Liver Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Intestinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Malignant Melanoma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Brain Cancer
• Breast Cancer

Prolonged exposure to PCBs can increase the risk of developing these cancers.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PCBs as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning they are known to cause cancer in humans.

The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has stated that “Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.”

PCBs and Immune System Dysfunction

PCB exposure can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other health issues.

Immune system dysfunction can lead to a range of health complications.

PCBs can also cause autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

PCBs and Endocrine System Disruption

PCBs are known endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the body’s hormonal systems.

PCBs affect the balance of thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to health problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

This endocrine system disruption can also impact reproductive health, leading to fertility issues and hormonal imbalances.

PCBs and Neurological Effects

PCBs have been shown to impact neurological health, potentially leading to cognitive impairments and developmental delays in exposed individuals.

PCB exposure has adverse effects on the nervous system, such as:

• Short-Term Memory Loss
• Confusion
• Brain Fog
• Learning Disorders

These cognitive impairments can be particularly concerning, especially in children since their brains are developing.

Prenatal exposure to PCBs can also result in children’s developmental delays and behavioral issues.

PCBs and Reproductive Issues

Exposure to PCBs can lead to decreased birth weight, miscarriages, premature birth, and developmental delays in children.

Men exposed to PCBs may experience reproductive problems like reduced sperm count and quality.

Women exposed to PCBs may also experience menstrual irregularities and fertility issues.

Reproductive issues can have long-lasting consequences for both parents and children.

PCBs and Skin Conditions

Exposure to PCBs can lead to various skin issues, including rashes and irritations, due to the chemicals’ adverse effects on skin cells.

PCBs are also known to cause various skin conditions, including:

• Chloracne and Other Acne-Like Skin Conditions
• Skin Sloughing (Peeling Skin)
• Hyperpigmentation (Darkened Skin)
• Frequent Rashes
• Hives

These skin conditions can be physically and emotionally distressing effects of PCB exposure, affecting an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life.

Is There a PCB Lawsuit?

Monsanto, the primary manufacturer of PCBs in the United States, has faced numerous lawsuits and legal battles related to PCB contamination and exposure.

Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, agreed to pay $100 million to the state of Pennsylvania for cleanup and restoration of contaminated lakes, streams, and waterways.

Recently, the city of Milwaukee filed a lawsuit against Monsanto for contaminating the city’s water systems.

Many individual cases against Monsanto are ongoing, seeking justice and compensation for those experiencing the adverse effects of PCB exposure in school settings.

Sky Valley Education Center, a school in Washington State, has been a glaring example of contamination in school sites and subsequent medical issues suffered by students, staff, and parents.

PCB Lawsuits filed against Monsanto for exposure at Sky Valley have resulted in jury verdicts totaling over $1 billion.

Lawsuits are also being filed against Monsanto on behalf of Vermont schools, students, workers, and parents, seeking compensation for remediation and medical problems resulting from prolonged PCB exposures.

Vermont initiated a new law in 2021 that required all public schools to test for PCBs.

Our law firm is currently investigating PCB exposures at St. Louis area schools.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PCBs in a St. Louis area school and subsequently developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a PCB Exposure claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a PCB Lawsuit claim instantly.

Seek Justice With TorHoerman Law

TorHoerman Law is investigating PCB exposure in school buildings that contain fluorescent lighting ballasts and construction materials manufactured with PCBs.

If you or a loved one has experienced health issues related to PCB exposure, you may be eligible to take action.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a PCB lawsuit claim instantly.