title: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and biphenyls (PCBs) in home-produced eggs.
abstract: Home produced eggs from 62 addresses in the Netherlands were investigated for the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and biphenyls (PCBs), both dioxin-like (dl) and non-dioxin-like (ndl). Compared to commercial eggs, levels were relatively high with a median of 4.6 pg TEQ g(-1) fat for the sum of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, and a highest level of 18.9 pg TEQ g(-1) fat. A number of samples showed clearly elevated ndl-PCB levels with a median of 13 ng g(-1) fat and a highest level of 80 ng g(-1) fat. There were no clear regional differences, even though part of the samples were derived from the rather industrial Rotterdam/Rijnmond area. Based on the congener patterns, former backyard burning of waste seems the most likely source for most eggs, with two exceptions where other sources contributed to the contamination. Similar is true for the ndl-PCBs. The study shows that average levels are about ten-fold higher than commercial eggs and may substantially contribute to the intake of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs by consumers. Intervention measures to reduce the intake of these contaminants by laying hens are advised.
authors.affiliation: RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: Ron.hoogenboom@wur.nl.
authors.forename: Ron L A P
authors.initials: RLAP
authors.lastname: Hoogenboom
authors.affiliation: RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ten Dam
authors.affiliation: RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Bruggen
authors.affiliation: RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Suzanne M F
authors.initials: SMF
authors.lastname: Jeurissen
authors.affiliation: RIKILT Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Stefan P J
authors.initials: SPJ
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
authors.affiliation: NVWA, Food and Consumer Products Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rob M C
authors.initials: RMC
authors.lastname: Theelen
authors.affiliation: RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marco J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Zeilmaker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development*; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated / Q000032:analysis*; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls
keywords: Dioxins; Eggs; Health risk; Home produced; PCBs