What industry and government knew about the hazards and effects of polychlorinated biphenyls.

摘要

PCBs did not reach public awareness until two widespread poisoning episodes were observed in Japan and Taiwan in 1968 and 1978, respectively. Although they were initially attributed to the consumption of rice oil contaminated with PCBs, adverse health effects were in fact caused by other chemicals.; After the poisoning incidents, considerable research was carried out on the possible adverse health effects from PCB exposure has been done. The major issue pertaining to PCBs is whether or not they cause an increased risk of cancer. Industry believes that PCBs do not cause an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. The government believes that although the link between PCBs and cancer has not been found, it has been suggested. PCBs do affect the environment; they biodegrade slowly and thus tend to bioaccumulate in the food chain in addition to the adverse affects on wildlife caused by PCBs.; Companies continued to use PCB-containing compounds until they were banned in 1976, despite the fact that the companies within the industry knew about the possible adverse health and environmental effects. The companies chose not to examine the possibilities and ensure public health because the manufacture of PCBs was so profitable. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)