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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Environment: Occupational and Exposure Events, Effects on Human Health and Fertility
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This review covers the environmental persistence and health effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), industrial chemicals that were banned decades ago but still contaminate the environment. PCBs enter the human body mainly through contaminated food and can cause cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system damage. The review is relevant to microplastics research because microplastics can absorb and transport PCBs in the environment, potentially increasing human exposure to these persistent toxic chemicals.
In the last decade or so, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) garnered renewed attention in the scientific community due to new evidence pointing at their continued presence in the environment and workplaces and the potential human risks related to their presence. PCBs move from the environment to humans through different routes; the dominant pathway is the ingestion of contaminated foods (fish, seafood and dairy products), followed by inhalation (both indoor and outdoor air), and, to a lesser extent, dust ingestion and dermal contact. Numerous studies reported the environmental and occupational exposure to these pollutants, deriving from building materials (flame-retardants, plasticizers, paints, caulking compounds, sealants, fluorescent light ballasts, etc.) and electrical equipment. The highest PCBs contaminations were detected in e-waste recycling sites, suggesting the need for the implementation of remediation strategies of such polluted areas to safeguard the health of workers and local populations. Furthermore, a significant correlation between PCB exposure and increased blood PCB concentrations was observed in people working in PCB-contaminated workplaces. Several epidemiological studies suggest that environmental and occupational exposure to high concentrations of PCBs is associated with different health outcomes, such as neuropsychological and neurobehavioral deficits, dementia, immune system dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In addition, recent studies indicate that PCBs bioaccumulation can reduce fertility, with harmful effects on the reproductive system that can be passed to offspring. In the near future, further studies are needed to assess the real effects of PCBs exposure at low concentrations for prolonged exposure in workplaces and specific indoor environments.
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Research progress on adsorption of polychlorinated biphenyls by microplastics and toxic effects of their combined exposure on animals
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Tiny plastic particles in the ocean can soak up toxic industrial chemicals called PCBs, and fish absorb both together — meaning the fishmeal made from these fish (a common ingredient in animal feed) can pass these combined pollutants up the food chain into the meat, eggs, or dairy we eat. This review paper pulls together existing research showing that plastic-chemical combos may harm animals' digestive, nervous, and other body systems more than either pollutant alone, highlighting a hidden risk in our food supply that needs more study and better farming safeguards.
Adsorption and Desorption Behaviour of Polychlorinated Biphenyls onto Microplastics’ Surfaces in Water/Sediment Systems
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Researchers evaluated the adsorption and desorption behavior of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) onto polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics of varying sizes in marine water/sediment systems. Results showed that polymer type and particle size influenced PCB binding capacity, with microplastics acting as potential vectors for transferring persistent organic pollutants to marine biota through the food chain.
Effect of Microplastic Types on the In Vivo Bioavailability of Polychlorinated Biphenyls
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Researchers used a mouse model to measure how different types of microplastics affect the bioavailability of PCBs, a group of harmful industrial chemicals. When microplastics were added to contaminated soil, they significantly reduced PCB absorption in the digestive system, acting as a kind of sponge that traps the chemicals. However, when PCBs were already loaded onto the microplastics, some types like polyethylene released nearly all of the chemicals during digestion, showing that microplastics can also serve as carriers of pollutants.
Toxic Effects and Mechanisms of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
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This review summarizes the toxic effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), flame retardant chemicals commonly added to plastics and textiles. PBDEs accumulate in human tissues including the liver, brain, and breast milk, and have been linked to damage in the liver, kidneys, thyroid, brain, and reproductive system. These chemicals are relevant to microplastics because PBDEs can attach to microplastic surfaces and be transported into the body, increasing human exposure through food and water.
Co-exposure of Microplastics and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Aquatic Ecosystems: a Systematic Review of Impact Mechanisms and Research Directions
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This systematic review examined how microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) interact in aquatic environments. The research shows that microplastics can carry toxic PCBs into fish and other organisms, and the combined exposure may be more harmful than either pollutant alone, which matters because these contaminated organisms can end up on our plates.
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