The ortho Side of PCBs

PCBs have captured the attention of scientists, journalists and the public since the 1960s, but during most of that time attention was focused on a small number of the 209 possible chlorobiphenyls. Work in the 1990s has implicated many of the forgotten and/or unstudied congeners as neuro-endocrine active and potential developmental toxicants. This interest has created a need for information regarding the "non-dioxin-like" PCBs. This study integrates historical information, analytical interpretations, and global concepts with comprehensive residue reports and public health concerns. The data should improve the accuracy of concepts regarding the occurrence and disposition of the 60-100 (rather than 6-10) most important congeners. Actual PCB burdens are shown to deviate from average steady-state profiles through sporadic exposures to unique mixtures characteristic of individual dietary sources.