Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) On-Board Navy Ships.

Shipyard workers and active duty personnel have the potential to be exposed to various congeners of Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs during operational, maintenance and disposal scenarios. On 6 December 1994 the US Environmental Protection Agency EPA proposed a revision of the PCB ruling which would significantly impact Navy O M costs and limit options for disposal of ships and submarines. The significant drivers to the EPA criteria were assessed. Additional occupational samples were collected to provide a statistically significant data base from which to evaluate possible exposure. No samples were identified with PCB in the vapor phase, therefore, inhalation was not considered a pathway of concern. Dermal exposure was found to be the only potential exposure route. A probabilistic risk assessment was conducted for both shipyard workers and crew members. The level of risk was determined to be acceptable for both active duty and shipyard workers. The approach presented here is applicable for PCB exposure in all three services.