Polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs)
Human Health Risk
Ecological Risk
Socioeconomic Risk
H
M
M-H
There are many structurally similar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) formerly manufactured
for use in transformers and electrical components. They are chemically stable, which was a
benefit for their industrial application but has become an environmental problem because
of their persistence in the environment. PCBs enter the environment largely through accidental spills and historic disposal practices. Currently the greatest source of exposure to
PCBs results from their presence in aquatic systems where they are taken up and concentrated through the food chain by aquatic organisms. Humans and wildlife may become
exposed to PCBs through the diet. PCBs are probable human carcinogens and cause
developmental and reproductive problems in humans as well as several species of wildlife.
What’s at risk?
What are the human health impacts in
New Jersey?
As many as 2,000 to 2,500 cases of cancer per
year may be attributed to PCBs in New Jersey.
This is approximately one third to one half of
the total incidence of breast, pancreatic, and
non-Hodgkins lymphatic malignancies in the
state. There are, however, significant uncertainties
in this assessment. Current rates of PCB ingestion may reduce neurological development of
children.
What are the socioeconomic impacts in
New Jersey?
The socioeconomic risks from PCBs are moderate, with some increased psychological impacts
because of general awareness of problems
associated with contamination. Dollar costs
associated with the health impacts from PCB
contamination are significant and may exceed
$100 million per year.
What’s being done?
PCB production and use has been banned since
1979. Contaminated site clean up is taking place
slowly and there are efforts to dredge contaminated sediments, including the large source that
exists upstream on the Hudson River.
What are the ecological impacts of in
New Jersey?
Species exposed to PCBs in contaminated
sediments face levels in excess of benchmark
values. Benthic invertebrates may suffer some
effects in reproduction and development; fish
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Final Report of the New Jersey State Comparative Risk Project
STRESSOR SUMMARIES
PCBs bioaccumulate in the food chain. For
humans, the primary exposures are via the
ingestion of meat products. For some species,
exposure has its roots in aquatic systems. Therefore, consumers of large, fatty fish and shellfish,
particularly from areas with elevated concentrations of PCBs in the sediment, are the most
likely to be exposed. In New Jersey, PCB contamination is most evident in the Hudson River
system and New York Harbor, primarily due to
upstream sources and to a lesser degree in the
Delaware River system resulting from several
smaller sources.
species have higher body burdens and may also
suffer reproductive challenges. But most obvious
impacts are observed in raptors with significant
portions of their diet resulting from fish ingestion. When PCB levels were higher, these birds
had extreme difficulty reproducing. Current
levels of PCB contamination still have some
significant effects.