PCB exposure can lead to cancer

Does working with Polychlorinated Biphenyls pose an occupational risk of cancer?

A NIOSH reports states that while PCB production was banned almost 30 years ago, as many as 113,000 PCB transformers and 1.33 million PCB capacitors may still be in use, so exposure risks remain for workers who repair, maintain or dispose of equipment containing PCBs.

The report follows a 1992 study with new data, confirming earlier findings of higher than expected mortality from brain cancer and melanoma among workers at an Indiana capacitor plant.

For the full report, visit www.ehponline.org/members/2005/8253/8253.html.