Video: PCB's a new risk factor for diabetes

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SEATTLE – It's well known that genes and weight gain are risk factors for diabetes, but now researchers have found another possible cause that could in your own backyard.

A groundbreaking study revealed that people in Anniston, Ala. who lived in the shadows of a plant that produced polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB's, from the late 1920s to the 1970s, may be at higher risk for diabetes.

"We believe this community is probably the most…was the most… highly exposed community in the world," said immunotoxologist Allen Silverstone. "Diabetes is one thing that can happen and that probably happens because these chemicals can affect glucose metabolism."

Before being banned in 1979, PCB chemicals could be found in batteries, paint and wood floor finishes. People who live near the plant have two-to-four times greater risk of getting diabetes. Even though PCB's haven't been made there for 30 years, there are still high levels detected in the soil, water and food chain.

"Right now, there are not a lot of ways to get PCBs out of a person's body and we also don't know if the changes that are started would reverse," said Silverstone.

It's that unknown that has left Anniston residents like Steve Cooper angry. He lost his leg to diabetes, his health is fading and his hometown is dying.

"Well I'm gonna tell you. If I could get away with it, I would go over there and blow the damn place up," said Cooper.

Another discovery – children of parents with high PCB levels scored nine points lower on an IQ test than kids whose parents didn't have high PCB levels.