Facts about PCBs and Exposure

Studies have implicated PCBs as a contributing factor in cancers. In addition it has further been scrutinized in neurological disorders of infants and children. Further it is suggested that PCBs interfere with the endocrine system. PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls were used to manufacture common items such as adhesives, and transformers. For many years it was common and legal to dump the byproducts from the manufacture of theses items into area rivers, and landfills. Long-term exposure in laboratory animals has yielded evidence of the risk to humans to prolonged exposure to PCB. There has been concern about the risks of PCB exposure globally and as a result of those concerns that use of PCBs was discontinued globally. Unfortunately, due to the improper disposal of PCBs by industry there is still potential risk to PCB exposure in areas where there was improper disposal and no subsequent cleanup. The EPA, The National Toxicology Program amongst other international agencies has declared that PCBs are likely a carcinogen.

In some communities where PCBs where historically dumped into the local rivers and streams, there are concerns that the PCBs present in the waters have made local fish toxic. In fact the EPA ruled that areas of the Hudson River would require reclamation in order to restore the wildlife to the area. Concerns for humans are significant as PCBs do not easily degrade and as a result pose risks until the PCBs are removed. Adding to concerns is evidence that accumulations of PCB accumulate in the food chain and pose highest risk to carnivores.

There are numerous types of PCBs. There may be more than 200 kinds of PCBs all of which have different adverse reactions in humans. For instance some PCBs act as nerve poisons, while others may emulate hormones in people. PCBs adversely affect several systems in humans including, immune system, and the nervous system. In addition PCB is linked to damage of the liver, kidneys and other major organs.

The elements in PCBs that made them attractive as mediums for use in manufacture are in part why they continue to present a risk to health years after they ceased to be manufactured. They are stable. They don't rapidly degrade nor are they susceptible to degradation by bacteria and other natural processes. PCBs also tend to settle into fatty tissues in animals because of their chemical reactivity. Further every subsequent exposure to PCBs adds up to levels determined to be toxic relatively fast.

Litigation may be an alternative for people who believe that PCBs may be responsible for help problems they are experiencing. In particular people who have experienced prolonged exposure because they live in an area where PCBs were dumped, may benefit from a consultation with a lawyer experienced in this type of lawsuit. PCBs are still a threat to the well being of thousands of people and their children, and the health costs of exposure may be astronomical. Finding a competent lawyer can make a difference when facing this kind of challenge. Let ours help you get the justice you deserve today.

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