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Basic Research in Plasma Medicine - A Throughput Approach from Liquids to Cells
Published on: November 17, 2017
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PCB plasma level in different occupational groups in Iran.
Sahar Eftekhari1, Omid Aminian2, André Esser3
1School of Medicine, 48439Tehran University of Medical Science-International Campus (TUMS-IC), Tehran, Iran.
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|June 15, 2021
Summary
Occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) remains a concern, with higher serum PCB levels found in paint and electrical workers. These findings support an occupational link to PCB bioaccumulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants with known adverse health effects.
- Despite bans, occupational exposure risks persist, particularly for workers in electrical equipment installation and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare serum PCB concentrations across various occupational groups and a control group (housewives).
- To identify specific industries and PCB congeners associated with elevated exposure levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 147 workers across seven occupational groups and 35 housewives were analyzed for 21 PCB congeners (9 non-dioxin-like, 12 dioxin-like).
- Occupational groups were categorized by estimated PCB exposure probability (high: electrical distribution, paint, pesticide manufacturing; low: others).
Main Results:
- Paint manufacturing workers showed significantly higher levels of PCBs 138, 153, and 180.
- Electrical distribution workers and housewives had higher average PCB 118 levels.
- Adjusted regression analysis confirmed significant associations between PCB 118 and electrical work, and PCB 153 and paint manufacturing.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for an occupational basis for the bioaccumulation of specific PCB congeners.
- PCB exposure levels in Iran were generally lower than those reported in other countries.
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