15 - Bioaccumulation of Dioxins, PCBs, and PAHs

Abstract

Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals are by-products of incineration, combustion, and industrial processes or are sometimes intentionally produced for commercial use. This class of substances includes dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chemicals which have been linked to various types of cancers, respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and reproductive disorders. They have garnered attention not only due to their toxic properties but also because of their tendency to remain in the environment for long periods of time and accumulate in the bodies of animals and humans. Their ability to bioaccumulate and to biomagnify in organisms upward through the food chain means that organisms located at the top of the food chain, such as humans, develop the highest concentrations of these chemicals within their bodies. Case studies dealing with bioaccumulation of PCBs and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are discussed.