Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs Related Links |
PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals. PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans provide supportive evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs.
PCBs build up (bioaccumulate) in the environment, increasing in concentration as you move up the food chain. This is of special concern in areas where fish are exposed to PCB contamination and may be consumed by humans (as in the Hudson River). At the Hudson River PCBs site, the best way humans can reduce their risk of exposure to PCBs is by following the New York State Department of Health advisories for consumption of fish from the river.
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