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P-ISSN: 2349-8528, E-ISSN: 2321-4902   |   Impact Factor: GIF: 0.565

Vol. 2, Issue 6 (2015)

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


Author(s): Michael P. Okoh

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

Pages: 14-21  |  2204 Views  77 Downloads

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How to cite this article:
Michael P. Okoh. Exposure to Organo-Chlorinated Compound, PolyChlorinated Biphenyl (PCB), environmental and public health Implications: A Nigeria Case study. Int J Chem Stud 2015;2(6):14-21.
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