Dioxin levels in adipose tissues of hospitalized women living in the south of Vietnam in 1984–85 with a brief review of their clinical histories

Abstract

A large population exists in the south of Vietnam potentially exposed to 2,3,7,8-TCDD, a contaminant of 2,4,5-T herbicide used in Agent Orange and Purple during wartime (1962–1971). Over 170 kilograms of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the herbicide was sprayed over 10% of the south of Vietnam (1). In 1984 and 1985, adipose tissues were taken from 9 patients at the Obstetrics and Gynecological Hospital in the south of Vietnam and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans were measured. Medical, reproductive, nursing and history of exposure to herbicides were recorded. Eight of nine patients had detectable levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD ranging from 4 to 103 ppt with a mean of 23 ppt, 3 to 4 fold higher than in industrial countries. Total PCDD/F levels, 442 to 4708 ppt, mean 2606 ppt, are 2 fold higher than in industrial countries. In some cases there is correlation between TCDD level and a history of herbicide exposure. A nursing history is sometimes associated with relatively lower TCDD levels. Determination of 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels in adipose tissues of potentially exposed persons is useful for establishing relative body burden and quantitative dioxin body burden classification of cases and controls for future epidemiologic research assessing cancer and reproductive outcomes, or for clinical studies.