Chemical name: 1,1'-Biphenyl, chloro derivs. Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action: General prohibition of PCB. The use of any preparation with a PCB content of more than 0.005% is prohibited Use or uses that remain allowed: None The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No Summary of the final regulatory action: General prohibition of PCB. The use and import of any preparation with a PCB content of more than 0.005% is prohibited The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: Short-term Toxicity: effects on reproduction, teratogenicity, immune alteration, liver damage, increase of microsomal enzyme activity, interference with steroid metabolism. Chronic Toxicity: carcinogenic to animals, probably carcinogenic for humans. IARC class II. ADI = 0.1 /ug/kg b.w. Epidemiological data: Human studies have shown that PCB exposure leads to skin abnormalities (acne- form), although there is strong evidence that this occurs only in combination with polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Accidental poisoning suggests that effects may be retardation of foetal growth and alteration on fetal growth retardation and alteration of calcium metabolism related to hormonal disfunction. There is strong evidence from human mortality studies that PCBs produce cancer of liver, biliary tract and gall bladder. Food: average dietary intake in industrialised countries is 5-100 /ug/day, the major source being fish, PCBs are magnified in food chain. Occupational/Use: inhalation is main route of absorption. Occupational Exposure Limit: 0.5 mg/m3 (8 h TWA). In the fatty tissue of occupationally exposed men concentrations up to 700 mg/kg have been found. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001 |