Reduction of the human body burdens of hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Adipose-tissue concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), four other pesticides and 10 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were significantly reduced by enhanced mobilization and excretion through the method developed by Hubbard. Electrical workers paired by age, sex and potential for polychlorinated biphenyl exposure were divided into treatment and control groups. Adipose-tissue concentrations were determined pre- and post-treatment, and 3 months post-treatment. Daily treatment was provided for 3 weeks, consisting of heat stress and niacin administration to enhance mobilization and polyunsaturated-oil administration to enhance excretion, with other components administered to provide protection from mobilized chemicals. Adjusted for re-exposure as represented in the control group, HCB body burdens were reduced by 30% at post-treatment and 28% 3 months post-treatment. Mean reduction of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners was 16% at post-treatment and 14% 3 months post-treatment. Analysis of variance indicates these reductions are statistically significant (f less than 0.001). Enhanced excretion appeared to keep pace with mobilization, as blood-serum levels in the treatment group did not increase during treatment. Post-treatment remission of symptoms associated with chemical exposure has been summarized according to reports from related studies.