title: An epidemiologic assessment of exposure of children to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a Toronto community.
abstract: In 1985, the human exposure from a site of PCB (Aroclor 1260) contamination in a Toronto community was assessed. The primary source of potential exposure was soil. Extensive surface soil sampling revealed levels greater than expected (geometric mean level = 0.19 ppm). Children under age 6 were considered to be at greatest risk of exposure as they may absorb PCBs from ingested soil or skin contact. A sample of children aged 1-5 was recruited from the community (n = 30) and from a socio-demographically similar control area (n = 23) that had significantly lower but detectable soil PCB levels (geometric mean level = 0.12 ppm). Exposure to PCBs from breastfeeding, food consumption, contact with soil, and parental occupation was comparable in the two groups. Geometric mean blood PCB levels did not differ significantly between the study (1.5 ppb) and control (1.9 ppb) group. Levels ranged up to 5 ppb in both groups and are comparable to those described in children elsewhere in North America.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Yaffe
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Reeder
mesh_terms: D001140:Aroclors / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D009864:Ontario; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D001140:Aroclors; D007220:Industrial Waste; D008055:Lipids; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C026987:aroclor 1260; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls