PCBs in Wood Floor Finish and Their Impact on Residents' Health
Author Information
Author(s): Ruthann A Rudel, Liesel M Seryak, Julia G Brody
Primary Institution: Silent Spring Institute
Hypothesis
Is PCB-containing wood floor finish a significant source of PCB exposure in residents?
Conclusion
The study suggests that PCB residues in homes may contribute more to overall exposure than diet for some individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- PCBs were detected in indoor air in 31% of 120 homes on Cape Cod.
- Blood serum concentrations of PCBs in residents were generally elevated above the 95th percentile of the US population.
- High concentrations of PCBs were found in homes where a PCB-containing floor finish was used.
Takeaway
Some people might be getting more harmful chemicals from their homes than from the food they eat, especially if their floors were finished with a certain type of product long ago.
Methodology
The study involved retesting air and dust samples from two homes with high PCB concentrations and analyzing blood samples from residents.
Limitations
Only three PCB congeners were analyzed in the air and dust samples, limiting the ability to compare congener profiles.
Participant Demographics
Participants were female breast cancer cases or age-matched controls, average age 75.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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