The most commonly observed health effects in people exposed to extremely high levels of PCBs are skin conditions, such as chloracne and rashes, but these were known to be symptoms of acute systemic poisoning dating back to 1922. Studies in workers exposed to PCBs have shown changes in blood and urine that may indicate liver damage. In Japan in 1968, 280 kg of PCB-contaminated rice bran oil was used as chicken feed, resulting in a mass poisoning, known as Yushō disease, in over 14,000 people.[70] Common symptoms included dermal and ocular lesions, irregular menstrual cycles and lowered immune responses.[71][72][73] Other symptoms included fatigue, headaches, coughs, and unusual skin sores.[74] Additionally, in children, there were reports of poor cognitive development.[71][73][74]
There has been evidence to show crash dieters that have been exposed to PCBs have an elevated risk of health complications. Stored PCBs in the adipose tissue becomes mobilized into the blood when individuals begin to crash diet.[75]