Health Risks
PCBs are likely human carcinogens. Carcinogens are substances that increase the chance of cancer. The form of PCB in the environment usually takes on a more toxic form than originally released. PCBs can also cause detrimental effects to the immune system including decreased resistance to infections. Reproductive and endocrine systems can also be disrupted. Since PCBs adhere to organic material they are persistent molecules that do not easily breakdown in the environment. PCBs in the Kalamazoo River adhere to the fatty tissue of fish and over time bioaccumulate. Bioaccumulation is the process of a buildup of a chemical, PCBs in this case, having higher concentrations in organisms higher on the food chain. This allows PCBs to travel into humans who ingest the fatty fish, which have accumulated higher levels of PCBs. Reports released discuss the amount of fish and what type in the Kalamazoo area are safe for consumption. A Health report conducted by the Michigan Department of Health found that the current state of the Kalamazoo River is safe for recreational use even with some PCB contamination. Exposure to the Kalamazoo River through recreation, people experience short dermal and potential ingestion, with minimal interaction with sediments or particles containing significant PCB levels.
Read more about this topic: Kalamazoo Superfund Site
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