Surveillance Program for Former PCB-Exposed Workers of a Transformer and Capacitor Recycling Company, Family Members, Employees of Surrounding Companies, and Area Residents—Executive Summary

Abstract

In a German company polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)-containing transformers and capacitors were recycled on a large scale. Human biomonitoring revealed a high PCB body burden in workers of the recycling company, in surrounding locations of this plant, in companies in the neighborhood of this plant, and in family members of these employees. In order to clarify whether possible adverse health effects occurred or may occur in the future, a prospective surveillance program was initiated. After an extensive literature search, an interdisciplinary group of experts developed a surveillance program based on current knowledge with respect to possible adverse health effects that might occur in the recycling process of transformers and capacitors. Exposure to various hazardous substances (PCB, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans [PCDD/F], metals, solvents) was considered. Criteria derived from human biomonitoring results of PCB were used for admission to the program. Participants in the surveillance program are first informed about risks and aims of the program. Subsequently, physicians started a detailed documentation of participants' general and occupational history, with their complaints, diseases, and nutritional habits, as well as information regarding their living areas, by means of a standardized questionnaire. In addition, separate examinations were performed to detect possible neurological, immunological, (neuro)psychological, hormonal, and skin effects. Moreover, DNA exposure as assessed by the comet assay and antioxidative status were determined. The program will be offered at yearly intervals for 3 years, and then at 5 and 10 years after program onset. Until now the program has proved to be feasible, and acceptance among workers and their families has been high. Based on the results, criteria will be developed to define adverse health effects that might be attributable to a hazardous substance exposure.

Accelerated telomere shortening in peripheral blood lymphocytes after occupational polychlorinated biphenyls exposure

“…2b), the most sensitive indicator of additional PCB contamination within this cohort of PCB-exposed individuals (Kraus et al 2012; Schettgen et al 2012). Similar to all lower chlorinated PCBs, PCB-28 is expected to be metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenases enzyme system, leading to formation of hydroxylated PCB-28 (OH-CB28) (Quinete et al 2014).…”

“…The program started in 2010 after human biomonitoring revealed increased blood levels of PCB in workers of a capacitor and transformer recycling company, their relatives and workers of surrounding companies (Kraus et al 2012). Overall, 294 adults met the entry requirements of increased PCB blood levels in the HELPcB program, as reported by Kraus et al Due to the onset of the hematological part of HELPcB in 2011 and due to required logistical preparations, 207 collected blood samples were included in the present analysis.…”

“…Blood plasma of the general population mostly contains detectable levels of the more persistent higher chlorinated PCBs, for which diet is the main cause of uptake (Kimbrough 1987). In addition, accidental and occupational exposure of human individuals to technical PCB-mixtures has been reported (World Health Organization 1976; Chen et al 1980; Kraus et al 2012; Kuratsune et al 1972). Based on epidemiological studies and animal experimentation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PCBs as human carcinogens (Lauby-Secretan et al 2013).…”

Immunotoxicity Monitoring in a Population Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls

“…Population characteristics are shown in Table 1 . Further information has been previously reported [ 1 , 2 , 15 ].…”

“…After observation of elevated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels in vegetables grown in the vicinity of an industrial area in Dortmund, Germany, it was finally discovered in May of 2010 that inadequate occupational hygiene in a recycling plant for capacitors and transformers had led to a significant body burden of PCBs in workers and their family members, as well as to the exposure of people working or living in the immediate vicinity of the recycling company [ 1 ]. As a consequence, the medical surveillance program HELPcB (Health Effects in High-Level Exposure to PCB) was initiated [ 2 ]. It provides bio-monitoring to identify potential health risks related to PCB exposure for the affected group of persons.…”