Persistent Organic PollutantHRMS (LC or GC)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Also known as: PCBs · Aroclors
Overview
A class of 209 synthetic chlorinated compounds banned in the US in 1979 but still ubiquitous in the environment. PCBs are highly lipophilic and accumulate in immune cells over decades.
Primary Sources
Old electrical equipment (transformers, capacitors), contaminated fish, old building materials.
Health Effects
Endocrine disruption, immune suppression, neurodevelopmental toxicity, classified as probable human carcinogens.
Detection Method
This toxin is detected and quantified using HRMS (LC or GC) analysis of isolated PBMCs. The intracellular accumulation of this compound in lymphocytes and monocytes provides a more accurate reflection of chronic systemic burden than conventional serum or urine testing.