Intrauterine Exposure of Humans to PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls): Newborn Effects

摘要

The effect of low-level chronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from consumption of Lake Michigan fish was assessed in pregnant women and their newborn offspring. Low levels of PCBs remain in the human body for some time, and caused, in this sample, decreases in birth weight, head circumference, and gestational age of the newborn. PCBs appeared to be transmitted to the infants prior to birth through the maternal serum, and after birth through breast milk. Behavioral deficiencies were observed in the infants exposed to PCBs both in autonomic immaturity and depressed responsiveness.