Polychlorinated biphenyls skin toxicity

SAFETY PROFILE Suspected human carcinogen. Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Experimental reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl". Used in heat transfer, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and insecticides. See also POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS. 

SAFETY PROFILE A poison. The chlorinated naphthalenes have toxic effects on the skin and liver. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC and POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS. 

The chemical is banned. Prohibited for importation, formulation, manufacturing and final disposal in the national territory of the substances polychlorinated biphenyls, pentachlorofenol, crocidolite, polybrominated biphenols, polychorinated terphenyls and tris (2,3 dibromopropyl1) phosphate on the basis that they cause environmental pollution and have toxic effects against human health. All uses are banned. Tris (2,3-dibromopropyi) phosphate irritates the skin and eyes, and may cause skin allergy. 

Polychlorinated biphenyls are moderately toxic substances that have been found to cause cancers in animals and to induce birth defects. Occupational exposure to PCBs exhibit a broad range of adverse health effects on the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and digestive and neurological systems. The... 

Although drugs such as acetaminophen bind to AhR, the majority of AhR agonists or antagonists are environmental chemicals. Polychlorinated diben-zodioxins such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), dibenzofu-rans, biphenyls, and a number of other chemicals are widespread pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. These compounds cause a high reproductive and developmental toxicity, which is mediated via binding to the AhR. Thus they pose a serious threat to many populations of mammals, birds, and fish. Various adverse effects—including structural malformations, reduced fertility, tumor promotion, immunotoxicity, and skin disorders like chloracne—have been observed [139]. 

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