Abstract
Chlorinated Biphenyls: Addendum BAT value documentation (2016)
The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated chlorinated biphenyls and has derived a biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for the combined plasma levels of the PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180. Available publications are described in detail.
The evaluation of the BAT value was based on studies in rats and has therefore to be regarded as preliminary. In a 2‐year NTP study of PCB 153 in female SD rats, a NOAEL of 10 µg/kg body weight was observed. Liver hypertrophy was the critical toxic effect. The mean blood concentration of PCB 153 was 17.4 µg/l. After extrapolation to humans and considering the non‐dioxin‐like indicator congeners, a BAT value for the combined plasma concentrations of PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180 of 15 µg/l was established. A specific sampling time is not required.
The „Biologische Arbeitsstoff‐Referenzwerte” (BAR) in plasma of 0.02 µg/l for PCB 28, <0.01 µg/l for PCB 52, and <0.01 µg/l for PCB 101 were reconfirmed. Exceeding the BAR indicates additional occupational exposure.
Rettenmeier, A