2,2',4-Trichlorobiphenyl

Warning

H373 (100%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P273, P319, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 41 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

There are no specific treatments for PCB poisoning, since it is not usually recognized until after substantial chronic exposure. Only preventing further exposure and treating the observed symptoms can be done. Acute inhalation can be treated by administering oxygen. (L4)

The most common health effects of PCBs are skin conditions such as chloracne and rashes. Chronic PCB exposure has also been shown to cause liver, stomach and kidney, damage, jaundice, edema, anemia, changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and impaired reproduction. (L4)

PCBs are absorbed via inhalation, oral, and dermal routes of exposure. They are trasported in the blood, often bound to albumin. Due to their lipophilic nature they tend to accumulate in lipid-rich tissues, such as the liver, adipose, and skin. Metabolism of PCBs is very slow and varies based on the degree and position of chlorination. PCBs are metabolized by the microsomal monooxygenase system catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 enzymes to polar metabolites that can undergo conjugation with glutathione and glucuronic acid. The major metabolites are hydroxylated products which are excreted in the bile and faeces. The slow metabolism of PCBs means they tend to accumulate in body tissues. (L4, T6)

PCBs were used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical devices (such as fluorescent lights and refridgerators) produced before 1977. PCBs may contaminate the air and water near hazardous waste sites. In addition, PCBs bioaccumulate in the environment and may be found in fish, meat, and dairy products. (L4)