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Scientists have found a significant association between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and risk of diabetes, in a highly exposed community in the US. The researchers studied 774 individuals living in Anniston, Alabama, an area with PCB contamination from manufacturing. They measured PCB levels in the blood and compared this to fasting glucose and lipid levels, in addition to other information collected through a health survey. They found that individuals under 55 years old showed a significant association between level of PCB exposure and risk of diabetes, with those in the highest group of exposure nearly five times more likely than those in the lowest group to develop the disease. This association was found to be particularly strong in women. No association was seen in subjects over 55 years old. Environ Health Perspect. 2012 May;120(5):727-32. Epub 2012 Feb 14. |
