Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Soil: Exposure and Health Risk

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents an original research regarding the risk for human health in the area of Ploiesti city using SADA software - Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance. Due to the high level of toxicity, international legislation provides the list of PCBs compounds to be monitored: PCB28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180. Sample collection was made in 22 points including public green gardens, residential areas, roadsides and industrial areas. The chemical analyses were conducted in the Laboratory of National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agro-Chemistry and Environment from Bucharest, according to an own analytical method adapted after EPA. According to the Romanian standards, PCBs were elevated across industrial regions near urban and industrial sources. The concentrations of PCBs overcome the normal values in the most sampling points and the area presents a potential of risk for people. Local authorities should address the human health threats from urban and industrial soils in Ploiesti city.