High levels of PCBs in blood can cause early death:
Study
High levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), a
group of environmental pollutants, in the blood can lead to premature deaths, according to a study. The
study was published in the journal, `JAMA Network Open`. The PCBs are
subject to restrictions in several countries and the bans have reduced their
concentrations in the environment.
In the study, `Prospective Investigation of the
Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors` (PIVUS) over 1,000 randomly selected
70-year-olds were monitored over a long period. PCBs have the tendency to
decompose very slowly and are stored in the fatty tissue, they remain present
in animals and humans. In particular, PCBs with many chlorine atoms in the
molecule persist in most Swedes` blood.
Study relating to PCBs in blood, concentrations were
measured in the subjects` blood in 2001-2004, and then again when they reached
the age of 75. Follow-up of those who had died over a 10-year period showed
that the individuals with the highest PCB levels with many chlorine atoms in
the blood had 50% excess mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease,
compared with the other groups. This corresponds to some seven extra deaths
during the 10-year follow-up period.
The results were independent of the risk factors that
had previously been found to be connected with cardiovascular disease, such
as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity,
high cholesterol, low educational attainment and cardiovascular disease at age
70.
In the researchers` view, this finding and the new
data combined indicate that intake of PCBs in food should be reduced.”We humans
get most PCBs in our bodies by ingesting them in food. These substances are
fat-soluble and found mainly in fatty animal foods like fish, meat and dairy
products,” said one of the researchers.
28.04.2019
If things
go wrong, don’t go with them
Roger Babson
Roger Babson
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