Which PCBs are most toxic?

The toxicity of PCBs varies considerably among congeners. The coplanar PCBs, known as nonortho PCBs because they are not substituted at the ring positions ortho to (next to) the other ring, (such as PCBs 77, 126 and 169), tend to have dioxin-like properties, and generally are among the most toxic congeners.

What are non dioxin-like PCBs?

The non-ortho dioxin-like PCBs (i.e., PCBs 77, 81, 126 & 169) bind the AHR and cause dioxin-like toxicity in fish, birds and mammals. The mono-ortho chlorinated dioxin-like PCBs are also able to bind the AHR and cause dioxin-like toxicity in birds and mammals, but generally do not cause dioxin-like responses in fish.

How do I rid my body of dioxins?

For most people, eating a varied, balanced, low-fat diet will result in reduced fat intake and will reduce exposure to dioxins. A low-fat diet, aside from reducing your exposure to dioxins, also will reduce your chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and diabetes.

Why are furans toxic?

It has been classified as a nongenotoxic carcinogen. Furan is thought to be activated to a reactive intermediate, cis-2-butene-1,4-dial that alkylates proteins leading to a toxic response. The resulting chronic toxicity stimulates cell replication, which increases the likelihood of tumor production.

What are some examples of dioxins?

Types of dioxins

• chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs)
• polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)
• some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

What was PCB used for?

PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don’t burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs was stopped in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build up in the environment and can cause harmful health effects.

What are NDL PCBs?

Abstract: Non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) are ubiquitous in the environment. Humans are exposed to NDL-PCBs mainly via food. Exposure to NDL-PCBs is suspected to be of concern to human health. This chapter discusses the NDL-PCB sources, their environmental transport and occurrence in food items.