PBBs animals

The principal source of pollution by polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) has been the commercial mixture Firemaster, which was produced in the United States between 1970 and 1974. Production was discontinued in 1974 following a severe pollution incident in Michigan, when Firemaster was accidentally mixed with cattle feed on a farm. In due course, PBBs entered the human food chain via contaminated animal products. Substantial residues were found in humans from the area, and were snbse-quently found to be highly persistent. 

PBB mixtures have been used as fire retardants. Many of their constituent congeners are highly persistent, and there was a major environmental accident in the United States in which farm animals and humans became heavily contaminated by them. 

The transfer of PBBs from soil to plants is so low, e.g., Table III and References (6,29), that the only important issue In the agricultural scenario appears to be soli ingestion (and possibly ingestion of groundwater) by cattle. Based on an estimated half-life, tj/2> in beef of 120 days (30) an estimated mass of fat per animal, M, of 67 kg and a soil Ingestion rate, Mg, of 0.72 kg/day (31), a reasonably conservative soll-to-fat bioconcentration factor can be obtained ... 

Neurological Effects. The data on neurobehavioral toxicity of exposure to lead suggest that children are more sensitive, as indicated by responses at lower PbB levels, than are adult humans, and that animals are affected at roughly the same PbB levels as are humans. 

Animal studies support he human evidence of neurobehavioral toxicity from prenatal exposure to low levels of lead. In an extensive review of the literature, Davis et al. (1990) discussed similarities between human effects and those in animals. The authors concluded that qualitatively "... the greatest similarities between human and animal effects involve cognitive and relatively complex behavioral processes such as learning." They further reported that quantitative relationships for PbB levels across species that cause developmental neurobehavioral effects are 10-15 pg/dL in children, <15 pg/dL in primates, and <20 pg/dL in rodents. 

Toxicology. PBBs are animal carcinogens, with the liver being the main organ affected. 

Animal studies have shown that oral exposure to FireMaster PBB causes a wasting syndrome characterized by progressive decreased weight gain, with immediate moderate to severe body weight loss generally preceding death." ... 

The lARC considers that there is sufficient evidence that PBB is carcinogenic to experimental animals. ... 

Therefore, in spite of remarkably increased liver injury, the animals are able to overcome injury and survive the potentiated liver toxicity (Kodavanti et al. 1992 Mehendale 1990, 1991, 1992). DDT increased the sensitivity of rats to carbon tetrachloride poisoning (McLean and McLean 1966), and mice fed 100 ppm polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) or 200 ppm polychlorinated biphenyls (RGBs) in their diet for 28 days experienced increased carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity (Kluwe et al. 1979). Potentiation of renal dysfunction was also found in the PBB-pretreated mice. All of these compounds are broad-spectrum MFO inducers. 

These experts collectively have knowledge of PBBs and PBDEs physical and chemical properties, toxicokinetics, key health end points, mechanisms of action, human and animal exposure, and quantification of risk to humans. All reviewers were selected in conformity with the conditions for peer review specified in Section 104(I)( 13) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended. 

Laboratory animals fed PBBs had body weight loss, skin disorders, and nervous system effects, and their livers, kidneys, thyroid glands, and immune systems were seriously injured. Some animals fed high amounts died. PBBs also caused birth defects in animals, but it is not known for sure whether PBBs make males or females infertile. Most of the effects in animals occurred after they ate large amounts of PBBs for short periods or smaller amounts for several weeks or months. In a lifetime study in rats and mice treated orally with PBBs at doses higher than those expected from environmental exposure, body weight loss and effects on the livers, kidneys, and thyroid glands were observed. A few studies tested animals exposed to PBBs by skin contact. These... 

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