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50-1UC JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE MO. 7.000 FEB 1976 (SB ll' '. Current Intelligence Polychlorinated Biphenyls |. William Lloyd, Sc.D.; Roicoe M. Moore, |r., D.V.M.; Barbara S. Wool!, M.S.; and Harvey P. Stein, Ph.D. Keports of adverse health effects in humans and (he demonstration of carcinogenic effects in certain animal species have led to Ihe reexamination of (he distribution of polychlor inated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment and the potential health effects of human exposure Because ihe industrial environment represents the maior source of potentially high exposures to PCBs. the National In stitute lor Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has gathered pertinent information on ihe manufacture, uses, and reported deleterious effects of polychlorinated biphenyls and is advising the occupational health community of these hazards Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) describe a Rroup of syn thetic chlorinated organic compounds having the following structure: slightly soluble m water, glycerol, and glyrms PCBs are good electrical insulators Although most individual polychlorinated biphenyls are solids at room lemiseratures ihe mixtures v.uv m consistency from mobile oils to viscous liquids or sticky resins PCBs are generally prepared industrially by the < hlunnation ol biphenyl with anhydrous chlorine m ihe piesence oi non filings or a lerric chloride catalyst Trace quantities ol < hlunnai ed naphthalenes and chlorinated dibenzolurans have been reported in some commercial samples of PCBs and it hjs been suggested that the presence ol these impurities may he or nm cological significance.1 1 ' Commercial PCBs are generally mixtures ol many onlnreni chlorinated biphenyls, as shown in Table 2. manulat lured to meet operational specifications (such as dielectric coi'siani Bash point, fire point, density, perceni chlorine, and color) ihese commercial mixtures may vary chemically from batch to batch. where each of the ten l's can represent either a hydrogen or a chlorine atom There are 209 different chlorinated biphenyls and they are collectively referred to as PCBs although many are not actually polychlorinated. Approximately half of these com|)ounds have been synthesized and characterized. Mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls are important in dustrial products. The most common tradenames for these mixtures are Aroclor.* Inerteen.t Kanechlott and PyranoMI Other known tradenames for PCB-contaming products are listed in Table 1. PCB-coniaining dielectrics (electrical in sulators) are generally referred to as "askarets" in the electrical industry Mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls are very resistant to degradation, are thermally stable, and resistant to oxidation, acids, bases, and other chemical agents They are soluble in most of the common organic solvents and lipids, but only iiom i lx- OIIiic <>( OruHMKi'*( Health SuivnlUra t and Hcometnes. Mammal tmcciutr ini (> tupatinnal Safely and Health. SHOO filters lane, Rockville. MD runs; Journal ol Occupational Mtdfcfnt/Vol. 18, No. 2/February 1976 MQNS 08654 7 PCBs have found wide use in industry and have been manufactured in ihe United Slates since 1929. The maior domestic manufacturer. Monsanto Company, produces PCBs at Saugef, Illinois and reports manufacturing 40 million pounds of I'OUs in the United Slates during 1974 (down from 8S million pounds m 1970).4 Monsanto's domestic production ami sales of PCBs by grade and category from 1957 through the first quarter of 1975 are shown in Table 3 Uses PCBs are employed m capacitors and transformers because they combine attractive dielectric properties with chemical siabilily and fire resistance Approximately twice as many ixiunds of I'CBs are used in the manufacture of capacitors as in the manufacture of transformers. Prior to ihe environmental concern surrounding the persis tence and ubiquitousness of PCBs,5 they were more widely used m industry as fluids for heat transfer systems, hydraulic systems, gas lurbines. and vacuum pumps, as fire retardants, and as plasticizers in adhpstves, textiles, surface coalings, sealants, printing, and carbonless copy paper. Beginning in 1971. Monsanto voluntarily restricted its do mestic sales of PCBs to closed system dielectric applications m capacitors and transformers.h Other current domestic ap plications of PCBs include use in investment casting processes, as heat exchange fluids, and as hydraulic fluids. Impons of PCBs have been estimated to exceed 375.000 pounds for 1974 Reclaimed PCBs also are reported to be available/ More than 95% of all power capacitors contain PCBs, Among their applications are use on electric utility lines, in air conditioners, and in ihe ballast of fluorescent lamp fixtures. PCBs are employed for safety, reliability, and long life, as well as in achieve size compatibility with equipment and installa tion requirements. However, non-PCB power capacitors are lining manufactured (e g.. General Electric's Econol line and Sprague's Eccol line) which may serve as alternatives.*! PCBs are employed in transformers at locations where their proximity to people and/or properly demand a fire resistant dielectric. Approximately 5% of transformers are PCB filled and each of the transformers so iillprf coniains between 40 jmf stXI gallons of PCBs (about 2 35 gallons is average) Possible alter natives to PCB filled transformers may include dry icanstMcmers (which are larger) as well as transformers tilled with siIhom** fluids or other materials under evaluation " * Chlorinated terphenyls. as well as PCBs. are used m some foimutaiions of wan (or mvesimeni rasung processes'* I ho chemical structure of chlorinated terphenyls resembles that ot PCBs. Chlorinated terphenyls have been reporter! to have toxicological effects similar to those of PCBs 1,1 Approximately 3 30,000 pounds of chlorinated terphenyls were imported into the United States during 1974" .met 125,5)2 pounds during 197 3 '( Toxicity PCBs are poorly metabolized and tend to accumulate m animal tissues, including humans The accumulation, pjr- ticularly m tissues and organs rich m lipids apiwars in ba higher in the case of penla and more highly <hlomated biphenyls.1* Studies have revealed PCBs in human fat tissue and blood plasma PCBs, m amounts greatei than 2 parts |>er million were reported in 198 of hJ7 (31%) samples oi human tat tissue taken from the general population of 18 slates a net the District of Columbia.14 PCB residues ranging up in 29 parts per billion have also been found in 4)% of h)h plasma samples collected from volunteers m a southeastern U S couniy IS Human The known toxic effects of PCBs m humans include an ar nelike skin eruption (chloracne), pigmentation of the* skin and nails, excessive eye discharge, swelling of pyebds. and distinc tive hair follicles.'' For a number of years, chloracne of the face and neck has been reported among workers exposed to chlorinated hydrocarbons. Workers exposed to PCBs in the ixocess of in sulating cables/0 in the production of condcnsrrs" and in the manufacture of chlorobiphenyls^ have reported these skin lesions along with systemic effects such as digestive bistur- ]hiuM. Sweet ot cmunmrI cmMitir Thruftw. A. PCI NmMtir. N. 3. July 1*11. quart m Huliiuttc. 0. it il . at cil . o 11 tftfcuni. Sm it mnppinl wm*twii. *!* * - M P 1*31 no PolycMonnatad 8i|ih<nylt/Uoyd it al MUMS 086548 bances, edema ol the face and hands, burning of the eyes, im potence. and hematuria.'*1 li Ihe toxic effects of PCBs in humans are further illustrated by a 1%B outbreak of poisoning m |apan that involved over 1,000 l**ople who ingested PCB contaminated rice bran oil for a [wood of several months. The contamination of the oil (<?si<na(ed I.SOO to 2.000 ppm) occurred when heal tranter pipes immersed in the oil during processing r)evHo|>eri pin sized holes The dtnteaf aspects of the poisoning included chloracne, brown pigmentation of the skin and nails distmt live hair follicles, increased eye discharge, swelling nt eveiufs, transient visual disturbance, and svslemic gasiroiniestmal sympioms with jaundice In some paliems, symptoms per si sled three years a/ter PCB exposure was discontinued Jnianis (?) u S EtaMt SMt Iidih uwmMli 4im*t raw uietM. Swim: MommM IMeatrwt Ctwimatl Cwnpm?. St Lwis. Mtuwn, Suttmtu, IS7S Journal ol Occupational Madlcina/Vol. 18, No. 2/Fobruary 1978 HONS 086349 111 horn u> poisoned mothers had decreased birth weights, and showed skin discoloration due lo PCB placental passage. Two stillbirths to PCB exposed women were also reported.n Animal The toxic effects ol PCBs in animals have been studied ex tensively. Reports of malignant, nonmalignant, and reproduc er* effects are shown in Tables *1. 5, fv Occupational Exposure ll is estimated that I 000 people are occupationally exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls The maionty of these exposures are in capacitor production and m investment lasting processes Permissible Occupational Exposure The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Department of Labor siandards for chformaied biphenyls an* i mg/cubic meter (nr 42% chlorine mixtures and '* m*/ ubir meter for 54% chlorine mixtures. These are basin! on the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 1,1 NS Mtrtara KaanMa K0 KMMeMe 400 KaftMhltr 300 TiMp 4. -- MalfiaaM filMiffc (ttacta IhOmO bp Kfc la ftMnali Tint--if sot m- 2S0 pan M 100 pp* ill 4M lat 32 **aa Uart Min (NttM llva awpt incmna ntk aatM cMnln nO 4mp. KmkMh 400 M 501 praftnt Hw ctf hpptrtrntip500 pa* d Miwain S00 pram4 tor** pin** nMx la 1 M 12 mi ik4 tiinftnlftlft enmtwai hi W 12 mn AroetM I2M" tmlm I200 300 ppn in OM tar < ft 11 naan* 100 pa* b In 21 anrtfei Min Mi laernaaO tier aa#i WpmOOnm ia Ml nin W In 11 maNn. Waa t 22 nin M In 11 nwtlw M MaMnan. Oaa d 24 m M In 1 awaMH kt* a hapMaaw. Na Mpaiann ia naM am >itt M Kh mi M 20 M 171 naM "ft. NnatPftM mMh la 144 ft 104 ft* m IMP paO dm ia naM raft. HaaaftaMftftr cardan** ia 21 aHOI "ft M NSa *a0 la 1 d 17) nakd nd. (hlnrinaieri dtbenzoluuns in American |>olychlorinated biphenyls. Nature 254 JOS. 1975 ) Curley A, Burse VW, Jennings RW, et al: Evidence of TihracMniodibeniofuran (TCDF) in Aroclor 1254 and (he Urine of Rais Following Dietary Exposure lo Aroclor 1254. Buff Environ Cornam and Toxicol 1415150, 1975 4 Communication limn Monsanto Industrial Chemicals Company, St Louis, Missouri, September, 1975. 5 tnleragency Task force on PCB*; PCBs and the Environment COM-72-10419. Washington. DC, March 20, 1972. 6. Polychlorinated 8iphenyls Monsanto Company's Program of Resihrled Sales and Controlled Manufacturing Practices, Monsanto In dustrial Chemicals Company, St. Louis. Missouri. October, 1974. 7. Glenn Srhwettzei. Office ot Toxic Substances, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, lestimony al an August. 1975, Wisconsin hearing, queried in Toxic Materials News, p 119, September 15. 1975 0 Personal communications with representatives of the industry, October 1975 9 Dow Coming Dielertnc Liquids for Power Transformers. Dow Corning Corporation. Midland, Michigan, received September. I97S (booklet not dated) 10. Allen |R. Abrahamson L|. and Norback DH Biological effecis of |K>lychlnrinated biphenyls and biphenyls on the subhuman prtmaie. Environ Research 6 344-54, 1973 11 Telephnne conversation with a representative of the U S. Inl>rnalional Trade Commission. Washington, DC. September, 1975. 12 U S. Tatnff Commission: Imports of Benioid Chemicals and Products. Washington, DC. p. 24. 1973. V). Biros FI, Walker AC. and Mgdbery A: Polychtonnaied Biphenyls in human Adipose Tissue, Buff Environ Contam and Tuxn.tr/ 3 317-23. 1970. 14 YoIh AR: Levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Adipose Tissue of the General Population of the Nation, Environ Hlth Perspective 1:79 80. 1972. 15. Finklea I, Prlester IE, Cteason IP, el al: Polychlorinated biphenyl endues in human plasma expose a mi|or urban pollution problem, A/PH tt.M5-S1, 1972. 14 Kimbrough RD: The Toxicity of Polychlorinated Polycyclic Com pounds and Related Chemicals, Critical Reviews Toxicology. CRC Press, Inc . 2(4):445-98. 1974 17 International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on |he Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals lo Man, 7 261 -09, 1974 10, Hutxinger O, et al.. op. cit., p 2 19 Kuralsune M. Yoshimura T. Matsuaaka I, and Yamasuchi A; Yusho. a poisoning caused by rice oil contaminated with poiydorinated biphenyls. H.SMHA Hlth Reports 36 1003-91, 1971. 20 Fulton WB and Matthews II: A Preliminary Report of the Der matological and Systemic Effects of Exposure to Hexachloro* JourMl of Occupitionil Mtdicint/Vol. 18, No. 2/F<bruiry 1976 20:244-50. 1930 22 Schwaitz L Dermatitis from Synthetic Resins anrf Waxes, Am I Pub Health 26 506-92, 1916 21 Miller RW: Cola-colored Babies. Chlomhiphenvl Poisoning m lapan. Teratology 4.211-12. 1971 24. Ito N, Nagasaki H. Aral M. et al' Histopathologic Studies on liver lumorigenesis induced m mice by inchmeal itolvchiniinated biphenvls and its promoting effect on liver lumors mduivd by Ix-n/eoe hexachloride. INCI 51 1637-46. 1973 25. Kimbrough RD and Linder RE: Induction ot arlenniibrosis and hepatomas of the liver in BAL0/cl mice by polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254). INCI S3S47 52. 1974 26 Kimbrough RO. Squire RA, Linder RE et al Induction n! liver Tumors in Rais by Polychtonnaied Biphenyl Aroclor 1260. INCI. December, t975 27 Millet |W: Pathologic Changes m Animals Exposed io a Com mercial Chlonnaled Diphenyl. Pub Health Reports, pn 1065-91. August 18. 1944 20. Treon If, Cleveland FP. Capped fW, and Aiclttey KW the loxmiy of the vapors of Aroclor 1242 and Aroclor 1254. Am Inti Hyg Quail 17 204 11. 1956. 29. Allen |R Response of the nonhuman primate lo polychlorinated byphenyl exposure, fed Proceed 34 1675-79, 1956 30 Kimbrough RD. Under RE. and Caines TB. Morphological changes in livers ot rats fed polychlorinated biphenyls. Arch Environ Htfh 25:154-64. 1972. 31. Keplinger Ml, Fancher OE. and Calandra 1C Toxicologic studies with polychtonnaied biphenyls, ToxkoI Appl Pharmacol 19 402. 1971 32. Healh RG. Spann |W, Kreiiter |R. and Vance C Effects ot Polychlorinated Biphenyls nn Birds. Pror I5lh Intern Ormthnl Congr. Leiden, Holland, p 476. 1972 33. Dahigren RB. Linder Rl. and Carlson CW Polychlorinated biphenyls: Their effecis on penned pheasants. Environ Health Perspeci 1 89. 1972. 34. Ringer RK. Aulcnch R|. and Zabik M Effect of Dietary Polychlorinated Biphenyls on Growth and Reproduction ot Mink ACS Div Water Air and Waste Chemistry Preprints of Papers 12 t49, 1972 35. Federal Register, Vol. 37. No 202. p 22140. Wednesday. October 18, 1972 'Aroclor is a legislated trademark 1 ihe Monsanto Company r Ineueen is a regisieteil iratiemaik <>r Hie Wetiinghoritv Elecinr Coifmraixm lot brand ot PCS containing dieiecinc iluidt Tganechlor is a registered trademark ol the Kanegaluchi Chemical Industry Cum pany, lid. SPyranol is a reguiered trademark oi ihe General Electric Company lor iis imotl ol PCS coniaming dielectric Iluidt (In December, 1975. The Dow Chemical Company and McCrary Edison Comany announced Ihe development ot a lubsiiiut* for PC5i in high vullage capaci tors. bulylaied monochiorodiphenyl oxide HONS 086551 113 Selected Reviews from the Literature GERALD W. GRAWEY, M.D. Department Editor LITERATURE REVIEWERS ClInteM Toxloology Griffith Qulnby. M.D. Wenatchee WA K. K. Kumura, M.O Vienna. VA Otto P. Preuas. M O. Cleveland. OH Dermatology Jama* S Taylor. M.D Cleveland. OH Donald J. Birmingham. M O. Oetroit. Ml Robert M. Adame. M.D. Palo Alto. CA Jamea B. Lucas. M O. Cincinnati. OH Carl W Soderstrom. M.D. Morton. IL Iapartmentat Toxicology Robert E. Eckardt. M O Linden. NJ Inch)tidal Hygiene Centreta Alvin L. Miller, Ph D. Chicago. IL Donald R Lynem, Ph.O. New Yorft. NY Donald R. MoFee. ScO. Wilmette. IL Mental Haalth Alan McLean. M.D. New York. NY Nolee and Hearing W Dixon Ward. Ph D Minneapolis. MN John L. Fletcher. Ph D. Memphis, TN Alexander Cohen. Ph.D Cincinnati. OH Radiation T A. Lincoln. M.D. Oak Ridge. TN Philip A. Fuqua. M O. Richland. WA George A. Poda, M.O. Aiken. SC Surgery Francis J Kelly. M.D. Amarillo. TX Austin E. Givens. M 0 Antioch. CA Mary C Burctiell. M.O. Danville. CA Dudley Briggs. M.O. Columbus. OH Mama! Madtoina Norbert J. Roberts. M.O New York. NY Michael I. Goldstein, M.D. New York. NY Patricia M Yarvote. M.D. New York. NY 114 Work Physiology E. R. Tichsusr. Sc O.. P E. New York. NY Frederick R. Glickman, 0.E , M.A. New York. NY Wllllfim Roaenstein New York. NY CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY Mercury in Dental Offices: A Professional Hmrd <Le mercur# dans Im cabinets den* tairei: un rlique profesiionnei). I P Magnaval. R. F Magnaval <md l R karhju sen Rev tpidtm. M4d k ec S*nt4 Publ 23 53-62. 1475 F J4 Montpellier lh. mi* <!< Sceaux. F 92290 Chaienay-Malabry French authors reviewed the literaiure ot 16 papers or documents m English and three m French concerning the possible occupational risk of dental per sonnel They reached the following opinions or cited others' conclusions (1) Tire envifonmenl is lietng constantly polluted wiih mercury ai an increasing rate (no reference given) (2) Denial personnel are exposed io a variable low level of mercury primarily from amal gams lhat may pose a possible long-term risk. (3) The routes of entry of vapors, particles, and larger masses were skin absorption, ingestion, and respiration (4) There were positive correlations ol mercury levels in the air with offices where amalgams were prepared but must less so in waiting and entry rooms (5) The mercuiy levels in hair, fingernails and toenails of 66 dentists and 74 assis tants were much above those of unex posed" dental personnel (6) Hair levels for mercury of some bolh increased and decreased with years of occupational ex posure About halt of dentists never de veloped levels above (hat found in ihe general population. (7) Man is suggesied in one study as able to methylate mer cury like certain other animals Ancillary epidemiologic siudies will be needed according to the authors to more succinctly evaluate lhe hazard Meanwhile, authors recommend live preventive actions to reduce the ex posure of dental personnel --(,fO Oata on the Stilus oi the Specific Female functions of the Organism in Female Work ers Exposed to Hexachlorocyclohexene. V i ll'ma and N A. Blekherman Pedui Akush Gintkol 36:46-49, 1974 (Ukrainian! All Union Sci Res Intt Hyg Toxicol lYsiiciiies Polymers and Plastic Materials. Kiev USSR The sexual functions were studied in women occupationally exposed to hexachloroeyclohexane (6HC), benaene. and chlorine for 2 to 11 years. Ovarian-mensirual disturbances (hypermenorrhea. HONS 086552