Yusho Disease

] Common symptoms included dermal and ocular lesions, irregular menstrual cycles and a lowered immune response. [http://www.foxriverwatch.com/baby_studies_pcbs_2.html PCB Baby Studies Part 2 ] ] Other symptoms included fatigue, headache, cough, and unusual skin sores. [http://www.healthgoods.com/Education/Health_Information/General_Health/environmental_diseases.htm Environmental Diseases from A to Z ] ] Additionally, in children, there were reports of poor cognitive development.

A similar case occurred in Taiwan in 1979 where the condition there was known as Yu-Cheng disease. Similar symptoms and effects of the PCBs and PCDFs were shown, especially in children.

There have been studies undertaken on animals to understand the mechanisms of PCBs and PCDFs and their effects. Scientists discovered that low levels of PCB's could kill fish and other wildlife and as such their use in manufacturing was reduced.

References

*http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/DT/pcb007.html
*http://student.bmj.com/issues/05/02/education/58.php
*http://www.annalsnyas.org/cgi/content/abstract/514/1/222