AI Article Synopsis
- The study investigated the potential health impacts of long-term exposure to low chlorinated PCBs in indoor air, specifically in a school environment where employees had been exposed to these chemicals.
- Thirty exposed employees were compared to thirty non-exposed controls, focusing on various cognitive and behavioral measures such as memory and executive function through standardized testing.
- While significant neuropsychological effects were not found, the exposed group showed trends toward increased emotional complaints and decreased attentional performance, indicating possible adverse effects from PCB exposure.
Article Abstract
Background: Exposure to indoor air of private or public buildings contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has raised health concerns in long-term users. This exploratory neuropsychological group study investigated the potential adverse effects of chronic low-dose exposure to specific air-borne low chlorinated PCBs on well-being and behavioral measures in adult humans.
Methods: Thirty employees exposed to indoor air contaminated with PCBs from elastic sealants in a school building were compared to 30 non-exposed controls matched for education and age, controlling for gender (age range 37-61 years). PCB exposure was verified by external exposure data and biological monitoring (PCB 28, 101, 138, 153, 180). Subjective complaints, learning and memory, executive function, and visual-spatial function was assessed by standardized neuropsychological testing. Since exposure status depended on the use of contaminated rooms, an objectively exposed subgroup (N = 16; PCB 28 = 0.20 microg/l; weighted exposure duration 17.9 +/- 7 years) was identified and compared with 16 paired controls.
Results: Blood analyses indicated a moderate exposure effect size (d) relative to expected background exposure for total PCB (4.45 +/- 2.44 microg/l; d = 0.4). A significant exposure effect was found for the low chlorinated PCBs 28 (0.28 +/- 0.25 microg/l; d = 1.5) and 101 (0.07 +/- 0.09 microg/l; d = 0.7). Although no neuropsychological effects exceeded the adjusted significance level, estimation statistics showed elevated effect sizes for several variables. The objectively exposed subgroup showed a trend towards increased subjective attentional and emotional complaints (tiredness and slowing of practical activities, emotional state) as well as attenuated attentional performance (response shifting and alertness in a cued reaction task).
Conclusion: Chronic inhalation of low chlorinated PCBs that involved elevated blood levels was associated with a subtle attenuation of emotional well-being and attentional function. Extended research is needed to replicate the potential long-term low PCB effects in a larger sample.
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|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1277834 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1476-069X-4-22 | DOI Listing |
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