Medical Surveillance

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Surveillance

While banned in North America for over 40 years, PCBs still linger in older equipment and construction and could pose a threat to those handling it.

How is the test performed?

Blood test

- How to Order? -

Setting up onsite medical surveillance is fast and easy. Contact us for details

When will I get my results?

Results are provided to the occupational health physician or occupational health nurse. Most results are reported within 7-10 business days of sample collection.

About Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Surveillance

Substance overview

Although banned throughout North America in 1977, PCBs are bio accumulative and do not easily break down. They persist in the environment for long periods of time and are transferred up the food chain to other living organisms. While the low levels of exposure commonly encountered by Canadians are not likely to cause health problems, exposure at higher levels or for longer periods may have a number of negative health impacts.

What is PCBs and how is it used?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be found in a number of products including some older caulking compounds, paints, coolants, lubricants, and electrical equipment.

Actual hazard of overexposure

The adverse health effects include a severe form of acne (chloracne), swelling of the upper eyelids, discolouring of the nails and skin, numbness in the arms and/or legs, weakness, muscle spasms, chronic bronchitis, and problems related to the nervous system. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that there is some evidence to link long-term, high-level PCBs exposure in occupational settings to an increased incidence of cancer, particularly liver and kidney cancer.

PCB’s can be released in liquid form. They can then contaminate soil or water and if heated PCB can be air borne and inhaled.

Who is at risk for exposure

PCB may affect the health of workers if it’s in a form that may be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. There is a risk of workplace exposure for people who replace or service old electrical equipment, and for those who transport PCBs to storage. As well construction/soil remediation industries are susceptible to danger from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls.

Clinical tests available to monitor

Blood test.