Clinical data on three cases of occupationally induced PCB-intoxication

Since the ban of PCBs at the end of the 1970s, extensive measures have been undertaken in Germany to dispose of PCB contaminated transformers. We report on three patients with considerable skin exposure to PCBs, in particular to Clophen A 30, while repairing or dismounting transformers. The periods of exposure range from 4 and 5 to 20 years. All patients presented with distal-symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy as well as encephalopathy. In one of the cases, the neuropathy and encephalopathy progressed for a period of over 8 years after termination of exposure. In the two other cases the neurological deficits persisted over an observed period of 2-3 years. The reported clinical results may suggest that the long half-life of Clophen and its accumulation in fatty tissue can lead to persistence of PNS and CNS impairment long after the period of exposure.