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Abstract:

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins are a group of compounds with a similar chemical structure. Exposure to these compounds occurs mainly through ingestion. Newborns are exposed across the placenta and through breast-feeding where the tolerable daily intake is exceeded. Half-lives of dioxins and higher chlorinated PCBs are estimated to 7.1 and 14 years, respectively. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates responses to these compounds by activation of protein kinase C. Studies concerning the health effects of PCBs and dioxins have illustrated endocrine, immunotoxic and neurological effects. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, Lyon, France) classifies 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as carcinogenic to humans (group 1 carcinogen).