PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in human milk from different parts of Norway and Lithuania.
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. Teh 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 teh 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.
Becher
G
G
Department of Environmental Medicine, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
Skaare
J U
JU
Polder
A
A
Sletten
B
B
Rossland
O J
OJ
Hansen
H K
HK
Ptashekas
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D009664:Norway; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis; D011786:Quality Control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors
D001572:Benzofurans; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; C023614:dibenzofuran; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls