title: [Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and reproduction disturbances].
abstract: A review of the impact of chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on reproduction is presented. PCBs are able to pass the placenta; accumulation in offspring is mainly achieved by breast feeding. Disturbances of fertility and embryotoxicity were detected in animals; teratogenicity without maternal toxicity was only observed in mice. In animal experiments disturbances of fetal and postnatal development were detected as well as in human studies. Neurotoxicity was observed even at low-level exposures in monkeys, which are most comparable to humans because of the development of the same clinical symptoms. Technical PCBs which are dominating in occupational and environmental exposure until now must be judged as toxic for reproduction: dermal exposure (especially in accidents) should be considered as an important route of exposure beside inhalation. Work to list possible PCB exposure risks and to develop ways to reduce these risks are necessary now.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Hygiene und Arbeitsmedizin, Universität Essen, GHS.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Popp
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vahrenholz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kraus
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Norpoth
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013723:Teratogens / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D013723:Teratogens; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls
vernacular_title: Polychlorierte Biphenyle (PCBs) und Reproduktionsstörungen.