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• The highest human exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) occur via the consumption of contaminated fish and, in certain occupational settings, via contact with equipment or materials made before 1977.
• Recent studies indicate that maternal consumption of PCB-contaminated fish can cause disturbances in reproductive parameters and neurobehavioral and developmental deficits in newborns and older children.
• Evidence shows that exposures to high concentrations of PCBs cause adverse dermal effects in humans. On the basis of sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and experimental animals, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PCBs as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).

This educational case study document is one in a series of self-instructional modules designed to increase the primary care provider’s knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to promote the adoption of medical practices that aid in the evaluation and care of potentially exposed patients. The complete series of Case Studies in Environmental Medicine is located on the ATSDR Web site at URL: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.html

In addition, the downloadable PDF [522 KB] version of this educational series and other environmental medicine materials provides content in an electronic, printable format, especially for those who may lack adequate Internet service.

We gratefully acknowledge the work of the medical writers, editors, and reviewers in producing this educational resource. Contributors to this version of the Case Study in Environmental Medicine are listed below.

Please Note: Each content expert for this case study has indicated that there is no conflict of interest that would bias the case study content.

CDC/ATSDR Author(s): Dianyi Yu, MD

CDC/ATSDR Planners: Charlton Coles, PhD; John Doyle, MPA; Kimberly Gehle, MD; Sharon L. Hall, PhD; Michael Hatcher, DrPH; Barbara M. Riley, RN; Delene Roberts, MSA; Brian Tencza, MS; Dianyi Yu, MD.

Peer Reviewers: Obaid Faroon, DVM, PhD; John Osterich, PhD; Avima M. Ruder, Ph.D.; Anne Sowell, PhD; Mohammed Uddin, MD, MPH.

Disclaimer

The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In developing its educational products, ATSDR has made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and the currency of the presented information. ATSDR, however, makes no claim that the environmental medicine and health education resources discussed in these products comprehensively address all possible situations related to various substances. The products are intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. The products are not a substitute for a health-care provider’s professional judgment. Please interpret the environmental medicine and the health education resources in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other medical authorities.

Use of trade names in ATSDR products is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.