PBBs reproductive effects

Intermediate- and chronic-duration oral MRLs were not derived because serious developmental and reproductive effects were observed in monkeys that had been exposed to PBBs for durations that spatmed the intermediate and chronic categories at the lowest dose tested in the database. This dose... 

No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in animals after inhalation exposure to PBBs. 

Polybrominated Biphenyls. A limited amount of information is available regarding reproductive effects in humans after exposure to PBBs. No evidence for PBBs-related effects on sperm counts, motility, or sperm morphology was found in a group of male Michigan workers exposed to PBBs by inhalation or dermal contact (Rosenman et al. 1979). No relationship was found between serum levels of PBBs and the frequency and duration of lactation in women exposed during the Michigan contamination episode (Thomas etal. 2001). 

The work of Jackson and Halbert with cattle was briefly mentioned earlier (ref. 156a). Among the reproductive effects of PBBs were evidence for early embryonic resorption, delayed parturition, large calves, frequently stillborn, negligible milk production, and dystocia. Prewitt et al. reported similar findings in a field study of contaminated animals namely, food consumption and milk production were reduced by one-half, cattle with more than 20 ppm of PBBs in their milk fat produced still bom or short-lived calves, had dystocia, and retained placentas were common, as was metritis. Similar symptoms appeared in cows with only 1 ppm of PBBs in their milk fat (ref. 158a). 

Based on the observations of adverse effects on reproduction in animals exposed to PBBs, the possibility that PBBs may cause reproductive harm in humans cannot be refuted and suggests that exposure of women to PBBs prior to and during the early phases of pregnancy may be of particular concern. 

Effects on reproductive organs and reproductive function have been observed in animals following oral exposure to PBBs. An increased incidence of uterine endometrial polyps was observed in rats, 2 years after they were administered a single gavage of 1,000 mg/kg dose FireMaster FF-1 (Kimbrough et al. 

Polybrominated Biphenyls. PBBs have the potential to interact with the endocrine system based on effects that mainly include changes in levels of thyroid and female reproductive hormones. No studies were located that investigated the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of PBBs in vitro or in vivo at the level of the estrogen receptor. 

The chemical is banned. PBBs may not be used for the production of textile articles (clothes, underwear, bedclothes, etc.) to come into contact with human skin. All other uses than the use in textile articles intended to come in contact with the skin are continued. PBBs cause weight loss, liver damage, porphyria, effects on the central nervous system, skin, eyes and the immune system, effects on reproduction, they are weakly teratogenic (embryotoxic) in cattle and laboratory animals. 

Smelter workers (N=119, semen samples N=152, PbB measures) PbB range Quartiles <15, 15-24, 25-39, 2 40 pg/dl Sperm characteristics, hormonal function PbB associated with reduced sperm count, total motile sperm count, sperm concentration no effect on reproductive hormonal function Alexander etal. (1996)... 

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