by Mr. A. Navarro

PCBs

• Production begins in 1930.

• They are used as dielectric material and interchange of heat.

• They are easily distributed to the environment, they are persistent and they accumulate in the food chain.

EFFECTS IN HUMAN:

Found especially in mixtures of same type that is why toxicity studies apply this kind of mixtures.

EFFECTS TO HEALTH OF THE PCBs:

Classified as probable cancerogenic as well as possibly teratogenic and mutagenic.

PCBs can make canceronic effect of other chemicals.

They can affect thyroids, intestine, reproductive and immunologic system. Injuries in skin.

It can affect mucous, sensation of burning, pigmentation in fingers and fingernails.

It can affect breathing tract.

Described square neurological, psychological and/or psychosomatic: migraine, disnea, depression, dysfunction of memory, sleepiness, nervousness, tiredness and impotence.

HUMAN EXPOSURE to PCBs:

• Primarily through food, work or accidental exposure.

• Children through maternal milk.

ACTIONS TO BE DONE IN COSTA RICA ON POPS:

• Active participation in international discussions and action.

• Revision of national legislation.

• Control of incineration of domestic and industrial waste against risks of dioxins.

ACTIONS ALREADY TAKEN IN COSTA RICA:

• Prohibition of the most of POPs.

• Export of PCBs according to Basel Convention to Finland because Costa Rica lacks proper capacity to treat them.

• Control of import of forbidden and dangerous substances.

The following POPs are prohibited in Costa Rica:

• DDT

• Aldrin

• Dieldrin

• Toxaphene

• Chlorine

• Endrin

• Heptachlor

• Mirex

• 2,4,5 T (for dioxins)