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Studies of transformer repair workers exposed to PCBs: I. Study design, PCB concentrations, questionnaire, and clinical examination results
Author(s) -
Emmett Edward A.,
Maroni Marco,
Schmith Joanne M.,
Levin Barry K.,
Jefferys Joan
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700130402
Subject(s) - medicine , occupational exposure , physical examination , physiology , adipose tissue , histopathological examination , toxicology , environmental health , pathology , biology
A cross‐sectional study compared 55 transformer repairmen, 38 currently, and 17 previously exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with 56 non‐exposed subjects. PCBs exposures occurred from air and contaminated surfaces, predominantly from Aroclor 1260 with some exposure to Aroclor 1242. Each worker underwent: a questionnaire; standardized medical examination; delayed hypersensitivity testing; and determination of serum and adipose tissue lipid total PCB concentrations. Adipose and serum [PCBs] were significantly higher in the currently exposed, but previously exposed workers did not differ significantly from comparison subjects. No subjects had a classical syndrome of PCB poisoning. A number of neurobehavioral and irritant symptoms were significantly more prevalent in the exposed group, but were probably not related to PCBs. Comedones were more frequent in the exposed group, but no evidence of classical chloracne was noted. Cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity responses to mumps and to trichophyton antigens did not differ between the groups. The association of PCBs with job functions were explored.