ATSDR - Public Health Implications of Exposure to PCBs

This paper summarizes the health implications associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), primarily through fish consumption. Recent studies complement and add to the scientific data gathered over the last two decades that document health consequences associated with exposures to PCBs. Although much of the research has been undertaken in the Great Lakes basin, the health implications are international. The findings of elevated PCB levels in human populations, together with findings of developmental deficits and neurologic problems in children whose mothers ate PCB-contaminated fish, have compelling implications. The weight of evidence clearly indicates that populations continue to eat fish containing PCBs and that significant health consequences are associated with consumption of large amounts of some fish. Although PCBs are declining in the environment, health concerns are still warranted.