POLYCHLORINATED-BIPHENYLS (PCBS) AND REPRODUCTION DISTURBANCES

A review of the impact of chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on reproduction is presented. PCBs are able to pass the placenta; accumulation in off spring is mainly achieved by breast feeding. Disturbances of fertility and embryotoxicity were detected in animals; teratogenicity without m aternal toxicity was only observed in mice. In animal experiments dist urbances of fetal and postnatal development were detected as well as i n human studies. Neurotoxicity was observed even at low-level exposure s in monkeys, which are most comparable to humans because of the devel opment of the same clinical symptoms. Technical PCBs which are dominat ing in occupational and environmental exposure until now must be jugde d as toxic for reproduction: dermal exposure (especially in accidents) should be considered as an important route of exposure beside inhalat ion. Work to list possible PCB exposure risks and to develop ways to r educe these risks are necessary now.