Exposure Predictors of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Adipose Tissue of Adult Population in Granada, Spain

Abstract

P-606 Introduction: PCBs are complex mixtures of persistent contaminants of international concern because of their environmental ubiquity, high stability and potential toxicity for humans and animals. Nowadays, diet is the main source of PCB exposure in the general population, but distribution in the air following emission from areas of storage and use would also contribute. The present study was conducted in two geographical areas in Granada province (Southern Spain): one semi-rural and other urban. The aim was to describe the exposure pattern of the population and its relationship to exposure risk factors, such as age, gender, place of residence, workplace, and eating habits. Methods: From 2003–2004, 400 subjects with residence in the referral areas (200 in each one), older than 16 years, were randomized recruited in both hospitals, among people undergoing surgical interventions (non-cancer-related surgery and non-related diseases to endocrine disrupters). Concentrations of PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 were measured in adipose tissue samples by gas chromatography-electron capture detector and mass spectrometry. Information about exposure risk factors was collected via questionnaire. Results: More than 90% of our study population did have detectable levels of every PCBs measured. The most abundant PCB congener was PCB 153, followed by PCB 180 and PCB 138. The geometric mean of Σ PCBs was 15.1± 1.09 ng/g fat, with a 5th and 95th percentile of 0.035 and 72.1 ng/g fat, respectively. Although women showed higher concentrations than men, differences did not reach statistical significance. Age and body mass index were positively related to all PCBs congeners (p< 0.001), explaining 22–24% of the variation. When the population was stratified by gender, Ln Σ PCBs in women was also associated (p< 0.001) with fish consumption (Pearson coefficient β= 0.355), and living close to industrialized areas (β= 0.165). Among men, PCBs levels were also positively affected by those factors but without statistically significant differences. Discussion and Conclusions: In spite of the fact that PCBs were band in Spain since 1982, our results suggest that the exposure to those pollutants could still be a problem to public health. High chlorinated PCB congeners like 138, 153 and 180, which are unable to undergo long range transport following emission to atmosphere, reflect proximity to source regions. This is in accordance to higher PCB concentrations in subjects living close to industrial sites in our study. Spanish Ministry of Health Grant: FIS C02/974.