From the Research
Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB) is a group of manufactured chemicals that were once used as flame retardants in various consumer products, posing significant health concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential to cause disruption of endocrine function, reproductive problems, immune system effects, and possible links to cancer. These synthetic compounds consist of biphenyl rings with bromine atoms attached, creating a structure that resists burning but unfortunately persists in the environment for many years 1. PBBs were primarily used in plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment until the 1970s when a major contamination incident in Michigan led to their ban in the United States. The health concerns associated with PBB exposure are supported by studies such as the one by 2, which found that exposure to PBBs can lead to stunted growth, increased mortality, and liver tumors in offspring of exposed rats.
Key Characteristics of PBBs
- Persistent organic pollutants that break down very slowly
- Accumulate in fatty tissues of animals and humans
- Can biomagnify up the food chain
- Exposure primarily occurs through contaminated food, particularly animal products with high fat content, or through contact with older products manufactured before restrictions were implemented 3
Health Concerns
- Potential disruption of endocrine function
- Reproductive problems
- Immune system effects
- Possible links to cancer The study by 4 discusses the biochemistry, toxicology, and mechanism of action of PBBs, highlighting their ability to elicit effects through a cytosolic receptor protein, similar to "dioxin". Although no longer manufactured in most countries, PBBs remain an environmental concern due to their persistence, with the half-life of PBB in human sera estimated to be around 10.8 years 1.