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Biphenyl Pros And Cons

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Research uncovering the harmful effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) production and pollution has advanced legislation in the United States and around the world. The controversy surrounding PCBs is largely centered on its possible adverse health effects on humans and animals. PCBs are man­made compounds that have been widely used in various electrical and industrial applications, including transformers and capacitors, electrical equipment, oil in motors, plastics, and construction. A key issue with PCB usage is that the compound’s structure is not biodegradable and persists in the environment for an extended period of time. PCBs and dioxin are among a class of similar toxic compounds that are persistent organic pollutants. PCBs have a …show more content…

Humans exposed to PCBs run the risk of many health c o m p l i c a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g a d v e r s e s k i n a n d l i v e r d a m a g e . A c c o r d i n g t o t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l R e s e a r c h Agency on Cancer, studies have found that PCBs are a definite carcinogen in humans and can cause cancer in animals as well ( IRAC Monographs, 2013). Individuals most at risk of PCB exposure are the employees who work in industrial settings. Studies have shown that mothers who worked with PCBs in factories gave birth to infants with lower birth weights and resulted in an increased number of premature births (PCBs and Human Health, …show more content…

When PCBs from plastics pollute the environment, they may contaminate water sources and become ingested by fish. The chemicals ingested by fish are then stored in fatty tissue and bioaccumulate up the food chain. Thus, humans who consume fish and other seafood may be consuming PCBs as well. Another key route of PCB exposure lies in the use of PCB­containing personal care products. An increasing number of personal care products including facial scrubs, soaps, and toothpastes contain thousands of microplastics in the form of plastic microbeads. These beads are then flushed down drains and make their way into the environment via poor disposal methods or by other means as part of their intended use (PCBs and Human Health, 2016). Due to the potential adverse health effects of PCBs on populations, there has been considerable controversy surrounding PCB contaminations. In North Carolina in 1978, 31,000 gallons of PCB­contaminated oil was sprayed onto 240 miles of highway. In Clyde, Ohio, in 1996, a childhood cancer cluster surfaced affecting many families. The issue grew serious

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