Teratogenicity polychlorinated biphenyls

Marks, T.A., G.L. Kimmel, and R.E. Staples. 1981. Influence of symmetrical polychlorinated biphenyl isomers on embryo and fetal development in mice. I. Teratogenicity of 3,3, 4,4, 5,5 -hexachlorobiphenyl. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 61 269-276. 

SAFETY PROFILE Suspected human carcinogen. Moderately toxic by skin contact. Experimental teratogenic and 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. 

Biegel L, Howie L, Safe S. 1989b. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners as 2,3,7,8-TCDD antagonists Teratogenicity studies. Chemosphere 19 955-958. 

Polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, are among the most hazardous human-made substances, distributed so widely that they have been classified as global POPs. They comprise a group of 209 structurally similar compounds, so called congeners, with diverse teratogenic, reproductive, immunotoxic, neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. 

Reproductive toxins pose a danger to both male and female workers. They can cause gene mutations and affect the reproductive system by affecting sperm count in males or fertility in females. Teratogens are chemicals that affect the offspring. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), cadmium, and methyl mercury are known reproductive teratotoxins. 

Polychlorinated biphenyls— A pathogenic and teratogenic industrial compound used as a heat transfer agent they accumulate in human or animal tissue. 

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