PCB 11 (3,3'- dichlorobiphenyl) is a PCB congener that is a negligible component of the commercially produced Arocolor mixtures but present in paint and dye pigments. It is a dominant congener in air of Chicago, Cleveland, and the Great Lakes region in general, as well as in remote regions of the world. Although methods to identify this congener in environmental samples have not yet become routine, it may be a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. In this study, we have determined for the first time that PCB 11 is a common xenobiotic in human blood serum. We have collected serum from people living in or near industrial East Chicago, Indiana and rural Columbus Junction, Iowa as part of Airborne Exposure Semi-Volatile Organic Pollutants (AESOP) Study. Sera from a subset of AESOP Study were extracted and analyzed for this study. We have extracted and detected PCB congeners using a protocol that includes a detailed quality control evaluation and gas chromatography tandem mass selective detections for 209 PCB congeners in approximately 174 peaks. Here we report PCB 11 in blood collected from adolescent children and their mothers between 2010 and 2011. PCB 11 was detected in all serum samples. It was on average the highest concentration in the samples compared to other PCB congeners. There is no statistical difference between concentrations found in adults and children, suggesting chronic exposure coupled with rapid metabolism. Although there are few reports about the toxicity of PCB 11, as a group of PCBs are known to cause cancer in laboratory animals and have been identified as human endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, as well as carcinogens. This study indicates the need for studies evaluating the potential health effects and risk of PCB 11 to the general population and children in particular.

Determination of PCB 11 in human blood serum from populations in northwest Indiana and rural Iowa

246th National Meeting (2013)

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