%0 Journal Article
%T Neuropsychological effects of chronic low-dose exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): A cross-sectional study
%A Martin Peper
%A Martin Klett
%A Rudolf Morgenstern
%J Environmental Health
%D 2005
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1476-069x-4-22
%X Thirty employees exposed to indoor air contaminated with PCBs from elastic sealants in a school building were compared to 30 non-exposed controls matched for education and age, controlling for gender (age range 37¨C61 years). PCB exposure was verified by external exposure data and biological monitoring (PCB 28, 101, 138, 153, 180). Subjective complaints, learning and memory, executive function, and visual-spatial function was assessed by standardized neuropsychological testing. Since exposure status depended on the use of contaminated rooms, an objectively exposed subgroup (N = 16; PCB 28 = 0.20 ¦Ìg/l; weighted exposure duration 17.9 ¡À 7 years) was identified and compared with 16 paired controls.Blood analyses indicated a moderate exposure effect size (d) relative to expected background exposure for total PCB (4.45 ¡À 2.44 ¦Ìg/l; d = 0.4). A significant exposure effect was found for the low chlorinated PCBs 28 (0.28 ¡À 0.25 ¦Ìg/l; d = 1.5) and 101 (0.07 ¡À 0.09 ¦Ìg/l; d = 0.7). Although no neuropsychological effects exceeded the adjusted significance level, estimation statistics showed elevated effect sizes for several variables. The objectively exposed subgroup showed a trend towards increased subjective attentional and emotional complaints (tiredness and slowing of practical activities, emotional state) as well as attenuated attentional performance (response shifting and alertness in a cued reaction task).Chronic inhalation of low chlorinated PCBs that involved elevated blood levels was associated with a subtle attenuation of emotional well-being and attentional function. Extended research is needed to replicate the potential long-term low PCB effects in a larger sample.The neurobehavioral effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been extensively studied in neonates and children [39,62,77]. However, no conclusive evidence is available on chronic nervous system effects in adult humans. The present neuropsychological group study explored the potential cognitive and
%U http://www.ehjournal.net/content/4/1/22