PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in human milk from different parts of Norway and Lithuania
- National Institute of Public Health, Oslo (Norway); and others
Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) as well as 16 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been determined in pooled samples of breast milk from 10-12 mothers living in three different geographical areas in both Norway and Lithuania. The results indicate no apparent dependency of the PCDD/PCDF levels, expressed as toxic equivalents (TEQs), and total PCB levels on the geographical residence of the donors within a country. This confirms the findings from a corresponding Norwegian study in 1985/1986 where individual samples from the same areas were analyzed. The total TEQs, including dioxin-like PCBs, ranged from 31 to 42 pg TEQs/g fat in Norway and from 45 to 49 pg TEQs/g fat in Lithuania. The mean concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs in the Norwegian samples (10.4 pg TEQs/g fat) was slightly lower than in the Lithuanian samples (14.8 pg TEQs/g fat). Dioxin-like PCBs were found to contribute two to three times more to the total TEQs than the PCDDs and PCDFs. Major contributors among the dioxin-like PCBs were PCBs 126, 156, 114, 118, and 170. Comparison of the present data with those obtained in the Norwegian study in 1985/1986 shows that for PCDDs/PCDFs the mean TEQ levels have decreased by about 37% in the 7-yr time span, while the levels of total PCBs, as determined by packed-column gas chromatography, have remained unchanged or only slightly decreased. Future studies are necessary to confirm this potential temporal trend. 43 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 387345
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Journal Name: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 46; ISSN 0098-4108; ISSN JTEHD6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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