2006
Study Background
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetically produced
chemicals formerly used to manufacture electrical capacitors.
Increasing concerns about PCBs’ potential health and
environmental effects led to a ban on PCB production and
use in the U.S. in 1977.
The purpose of the NIOSH studies was to examine the long-term
health risks to workers from PCB exposures.
Study Design
Studies were undertaken examining causes of death among
workers from three electrical-capacitor manufacturing plants
located in Indiana, New York, and Massachusetts.
Study Results
Compared to the U.S. population, the overall number of deaths was
not increased among workers at the study plants.
In the Indiana plant, the numbers of deaths from melanoma
(skin cancer) and brain cancer were higher than expected.
We found deaths from brain cancer to be associated with PCB
exposure.
In the New York and Massachusetts plants combined, deaths
from myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow), and cancers of
the liver, stomach in men, ovary and prostate were higher
than expected among workers with greater cumulative PCB
exposure.
A study of neurological diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
[ALS], Parkinson's disease, and dementia) included everyone
in the three plants who had worked 90 days or longer. Women
in the study had excess deaths from ALS, compared to women
in the U.S. population. Women with greater cumulative PCB
exposure had more deaths from Parkinson's disease and dementia
than women with lower cumulative PCB exposure.
Conclusions
From these studies, there is evidence that PCB exposure
may be associated with some cancers and some neurological
diseases.
Results were not entirely consistent across all three plants.
This might be due to variations in exposure levels among
the plants or due to other factors not measured.
IMPORTANT: These studies evaluated workers as a group; therefore,
we cannot predict the future health of any one individual.
Questions or Comments?
If you have any questions or comments, would like more information,
or would like a copy of any of the four study reports (one
study in Indiana, two studies in Massachusetts-New York,
one study of all three plants):
Call our NIOSH toll-free 800 number: 800-356-4674 (800-35-NIOSH)
between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through
Friday. Say you are calling about the PCB Notification and
ask to speak with Frank Stern. You may also call Frank Stern
directly at 513-841-4519. You
may e-mail questions, comments, or suggestions to: nioshworkernotification@cdc.gov.
For other NIOSH publications:
Address:
NIOSH Publications
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226-1996
Phone: 800-356-4674 (800-35-NIOSH)
Fax: (513) 533-8573
E-mail: pubstaft@cdc.gov
Web site: www.cdc.gov/niosh/