PCBs and Human Health

PCBs have also long been known to cause harm to the brain, affecting brain cell development, which can lead to developmental and neurodevelopmental impairments, such as hyperactivity. Low PCB levels can be even more dangerous with studies suggesting that such exposure can affect the ability to learn by negatively impacting dentrite plasticity. Dentrites are neuron components critical to learning and memory; when damaged they are linked to seizure disorders, schizophrenia, mental retardation, and autism.

Tests in utero and neonatally have found PCB affects brain cell development and that PCBs impact brain cell circuits in an area of the brain known to be damaged in people with complex neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory deficits, developmental delays, and mental retardation. PCBs also affect ryanodine receptors, which can add to neural circuits becoming over-excited.