PCB stands for polychlorinated biphenyl and is the member of a group of chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. These man-made chemicals were used to manufacture a variety of products until 1979 when they were banned when it was discovered they were potential carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. These chemicals came back in the news in March 2010 when an independent regulatory environmental company launched a lawsuit against fish oil manufacturers, alleging their products contained PCBs.
Manufacturing
PCBs were initially used to produce products like plastics, carbonless copy paper, adhesives, oil-based paint and cable insulation. One of the reasons PCBs are considered especially dangerous is because they don't break down easily, meaning they remain in landfills, where the chemicals can affect land, water and the air.
Fish Oil Connection
In addition to being present in some food crops, fish oil and small organisms fish eat can have PCBs, which is why eating fish and/or taking fish oil is a concern. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned PCBs because they were linked with cancer and harmful effects on the nervous, reproductive, immune and endocrine systems.
2010 Lawsuit
In March 2010, Mateel Justice Foundation, an independent environmental group, filed a lawsuit against eight fish oil manufacturing companies, claiming the companies sold supplements that contained PCBs. The foundation claimed the companies had violated California's Proposition 65 law that prevents companies from manufacturing carcinogenic-containing products without offering a clear warning. The foundation had allegedly tested these products, finding some that contained as much as 70 times more PCBs than other brands. Because some companies label their fish oil as "treated" to reduce risk of contaminants, the foundation claimed these companies were in direct violation of California law. While each company has issued statements declaring its products as safe, the lawsuit raised concerns over taking fish oil supplements.
Considerations
Fish oil manufacturers take a few steps to reduce the presence of PCBs in their oils. First, they manufacture fish oils with smaller fish that feed on algae, which are less likely to have harmful contaminants like PCBs and mercury, another dangerous mineral. Larger, longer-living fish like shark and bluefin tuna can have higher amounts. Also, the fish oil is separated via a centrifuge and ensuing purification process. Because the main contaminants tend to live in the meat parts of the fish, this reduces overall levels. While testing should always be conducted, if the company takes these steps, the level of PCBs should be zero to negligible, according to "Whole Living."
References
- Environmental Protection Agency: Polychlorinated Biphenyls
- Green Facts: Scientific Facts on PCBs
- Planet Green: Fish Oil Supplements -- Want PCBs with That?; Rachel Cernansky; March 2010
- ABC News; The Truth Behind Fish Oil Concerns; Elisabeth Levy; March 2010
- Whole Living: Is Fish Oil Safe?; April 2008
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