Back to Skin Absorption and Damage from PCBs Table of Contents

Summary of Skin Damage Study Results

(each entry represents a finding in a study --- some studies had multiple findings) 

Not all studies are equal in size or quality. Some examine the effects of old PCB commercial mixtures (which had variable composition), or just one or two individual types of PCBs (out of 209 possible.) Some studies use high and some use low doses of PCBs. In many cases, the exact PCB dose was unknown. 

• PCBs are absorbed through the skin
• PCBs cause chloracne and chemical burns on contact with the skin
• dermal application of PCB causes lesions of liver, kidneys, and lymphoid tissue, along with effects on the skin
• acneiform eruptions and enlargement of the follicular openings; pigmentation of the nails, gums, and lips
• dermal changes appeared to be caused by hyperkeratinization associated with abnormal lipid metabolism
• skin lesions are one of the most striking changes in mammals exposed to PCBs
• PCB poisoning was associated with chloracne and skin discoloration in infants
• elevated PCB levels and exposures were associated with dermatotoxicity
• PCBs exposure is unequivocally associated with chloracne, skin hyperpigmentation and chronic skin irritation
• the great majority of workers handling PCB had dermatologic complaints. 
• discontinuance of contact with PCB led to gradual improvement of these lesions
• PCB contaminants (furans and quaterphenyls) may contribute to skin effects 
• PCB treated animals showed no dermal symptoms, but furan treated animals did [PCBs are generally contaminated with furans]
• dermal toxicity is a response to PCB exposure
• dermal lesions are typical sequelae of human PCB poisoning
• humans exposed to PCBs showed skin discoloration and dermal abnormalities
• PCBs caused dermatosis --- Acneform eruptions, prominent enlargement and elevation of the follicular openings, pigmentation and flattening of the nails, and pigmentation of the integument
• hyperpigmentation of the epidermis, mild hyperkeratosis, severe keratotic plugs in hair follicles, and chronic inflammatory dermal infiltrate with foreign body granulomas
• atrophic epidermis, cystic follicular dilatation, keratinization of sebaceous epithelial ducts, and abnormal melanin deposition in basal layers of the integument
• chloracne cleared more quickly in occupationally-exposed vs. Yusho-exposed PCB victims, possible due to differences in furan concentrations
• acne like eruptions on the cheeks and chin characterized by severe inflammation and cystic changes
• dilated and hyperkeratinized follicles with inflammatory infiltration
• some occupationally-exposed PCB workers showed dermal effects
• dermal effects were attributed to the mediation by an aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor mechanism of action.
• dermal lesions improved after fasting
• acneform eruptions forming cysts or abscesses were difficult to cure
• PCBs induced keratinization in mouse epithelial cells
• PCB toxicity in rabbits was initiated by dermal application of PCBs
• monkeys fed PCBs developed generalized dry and flaking skin, and some hair loss
• animal studies have demonstrated dermal changes
• dermal PCB application caused early macroscopic skin lesions
• hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the follicular and epidermal epithelium
• skin contact and inhalation of PCBs could lead to nerve damage
• chloracne is considered the most significant work related acne problem
• chloracne is produced by exposure to chlorinated aromatic compounds
• furans are acnegenic and are contaminants in many PCB formulations
• railway electricians absorbed significant levels of PCBs through handling dielectric fluid
• medical complaints included acneiform skin lesions
• PCBs are known to produce chloracne in humans
• chloracne seems to have a predilection for the skin of the face but involvement also occurs with the neck, shoulders, genitalia, chest, and lower trunk in this order. 
• in severe cases the arms and legs are involved.
• PCBs cause chloracne
• PCBs cause chloracne in humans
• The position of the halogen atom on the molecule is vital to the chloracnegenic characteristic
• contact with contaminated flood water reportedly resulted in skin burns
• chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (such as PCBs) cause chloracne and another dermal lesions

Lifetime prevalence of chloracne, abnormal nails, hyperkeratosis and skin allergy were more frequent in PCB and furan poisoning victims

• Skin Damage Caused by PCBs
• Other PCB Contamination Sites With Skin Contact Risks
• Links to More Information
• References