Asthma Patients Should Avoid Chemicals Containing PCB

Exposure to a class of chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) can lead to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms, especially in children. The research suggests that kids should stay away from PCB sources, but this is easier said than done.

PCB are rather common toxic contaminants, and they can be found in numerous types of industrial equipment, including power transformers. Currently, the production of such agents is forbidden.

When exposed to these chemicals, children suffering from asthma wheeze more than they normally do. “Our findings suggest that people with high levels of the chemicals in their blood stream are suffering from higher levels of wheeze, a common asthma symptom,” the research team says.

Details of the study will be presented tomorrow, September 2, at the European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress in Vienna, Austria, Science Daily reports.