Risk analysis of PCB exposure via the soil-food crop pathway, and alternatives for remediation at Serpukhov, Russian Federation

A risk assessment was conducted to determine the likelihood of certain heal th risks resulting from exposure to soils and food crops contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). PCBs have contaminated soils, river sedime nts, and air in the past as a result of industrial activities at a capacito r plant located in the City of Serpukhov, Russian Federation. This risk ass essment and suggestions for remediation are designed to aid in decision-mak ing efforts by a joint Russian-American research team developing a communit y, national, and international response to industrial contamination. Bobovn ikova et al. (The Science of the Total Environment 139/140, 357-364, [1993] ) have reported that PCBs are elevated in soils and sediments, boast milk, and locally grown foods in the Serpukhov area. Data from these and other in vestigators have been used in this risk assessment to calculate a potential cancer risk resulting Rom exposure to PCBs. Our assessment indicates that members of the local population may be at increased risk of cancer, and pos sibly other adverse health effects, as a result of PCB contamination of the ir environment. Because previously unassessed environmental contamination i s a common problem in the former Soviet Republics, as well as many other ar eas of the world, we believe this type of evaluation, using known methods, can serve as a model for assessment efforts in other parts of the globe and result in remediative efforts in regions constrained by faltering economie s.