rqst advice on bioassays after >50ppm PCB transformer fire

[ttweed@wildrockies.org (Tony Tweedale)]

on 31 July a 3 transformer Bonneville Power Admin. (BPA) substation here in
W. MT had a big, hot fire, causing $10 m. in damage.  Residual (oil, I'm
assuming) tested after the fire is reported as having 13 ppm PCBs.

BPA is arranging PCB blood level & "liver function" tests, though they are
making a lot of statements that "PCBs have no long term effects" (others
quoted in the press are saying they may be hamful at any level and can
cause cancer).  The fire fighters from various jurisdictions were not told
of the PCB content or given MSDS until long after the fire.  Now they are
being told it is OK to wash their work "normally".

Does anyone have any ideas on further bioassys that might indicate effects
from this exposure?


Tony Tweedale
224 E. Pine (2)
Missoula, MT 59802-4541
406-542-1709 tel. [& Fax--must call me 1st)]
ttweed@wildrockies.org

Causality is a concept not subject to empirical demonstration.
        -David Hume (1711-'76)