Exposure to Organo-Chlorinated Compound, PolyChlorinated Biphenyl (PCB), environmental and public health Implications: A Nigeria Case study

Nigeria faces the challenge of organic waste, which is imported into the country. These wastes cause serious menace to human health, and environment, with reverberation, further afield. Baseline inventory of PCB contaminated oils and equipment had been conducted in Nigeria, albeit not exhaustive. However, the report from this study point to streams of contaminated oils and equipment, with possible variables in chemical composition of the dielectric fluid, bearing diversity in origin. The inventory report shows total amount of PCB-contaminated waste in Nigeria to be 3,400 tons; PCB-contaminated oil (421 tons), and the combined weight of PCB-contaminated equipment (1,061 tons) and all estimated, with possibility of higher value with a comprehensive inventory. Also, the main source and major users of this contamination has been identified. With such information, the main sources consisting formal and informal sector are presented with possible path, immediate route to the ordinary Nigerian citizens traced and schematically presented (see Fig.2). The hazard posed by PCB oils is further magnified, put in current Nigeria reality where such hazardous wastes could be use for cooking unknowingly. Major reasons for these import/exports are cheap pricing and lack of environmental and occupational standards. Thus, up until Basel, Stockholm combined with Rotterdam convention the toxic effluent from developed nations had flooded developing countries e.g. Nigeria. The concerted management of POPS in general and PCB in particular, is a public good. As such, it must be shaped by the broadest possible stakeholders from many of the various organizations with a role to play in shaping PCBs and POPs management cycle. In Nigeria for instance, such immediate stakeholders were identified in this study, with suggestion of ways to further strengthen individual roles in the onerous task of POPs management in general, and PCB in particular. Referencing earlier studies this paper discusses some indicators relating to PCB kinetics as well as its perceived role in delayed infertility, exposure limits based on findings was also suggested. Aims of this review: Increase public awareness of the danger associated with PCB exposure with a view to generating significant social benefits that will reduce public health risks, locally and international, associated with the release of PCBs into the environment. Poisons, such as PCBs, cyanide and carbon monoxide produce life-threatening effects by means of enzyme inhibition. Increasing public awareness of the danger of these chemicals is beneficial, as it would enhance PCB and general POPs management, site clean-up and disposal of PCBs and contaminated materials. Achieving this would require the adoption of best available technology (BAT) that meets international best practices.