Concentrations Of Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans Research Articles

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran concentrations in serum samples of workers at intermittently burning municipal waste incinerators in Japan

Objectives: To find whether or not incinerator workers employed at intermittently burning municipal incineration plants are exposed to high concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Methods: 20...

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in livers of birds from Japan.

Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and non- and mono-ortho-chlorine-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxin-like PCBs) were measured in livers of 17 species of birds collected from Japan. Birds were grouped according to their feeding habits as granivores, piscivores, omnivores, and predators for discussions. Livers of granivores contained relatively low concentrations of PCDD/DFs (80-660 pg/g) followed in increasing order by omnivores (2,300-8,000 pg/g), piscivores (61-12,000 pg/g) and predators (480-490,000 pg/g on a fat weight basis). Especially, one species of predatory bird (mountain hawk eagle) contained elevated concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs, and the measured concentration is one of the highest reported to date. Homolog and congener patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs varied among species; hence, the results suggested that feeding habits, specific elimination, and metabolism influence contamination pattern. Concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs were in the order of granivores (32-83 ng/g) < predators [excluding mountain hawk eagle] (32-2,500 ng/g) < piscivore (61-12,000 ng/g) < omnivores (1,800-67,000 ng/g on a fat weight basis). Mountain hawk eagle contained the highest concentration of dioxin-like PCBs (55,000 ng/g fat weight). 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxic equivalents (TEQs) ranged from 53-450,000 pg/g fat weight. 23478-PeCDF, 2378-TCDD/TCDF, and PCB congeners IUPAC 126 and 77 were major contributors to TEQs in birds. To our knowledge, this is the first study of PCDD/DFs and dioxin-like PCBs in livers of several species of Japanese birds.

Detailed study on the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in Yusho rice oil

One bottle of Yusho rice oil was obtained from a Yusho family in 1998. The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the causal oil were investigated with two different approaches and the individual concentrations of all the 17 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F and 14 coplanar PCB (Co-PCB) congeners were elucidated for the first time. The concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs were found to be 0.60 and 8.8 ppm, respectively. For PCBs, more than 130 PCB peaks were observed and a total concentration of 850 ppm including 170 ppm of Co-PCBs was obtained. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PCDDs, PCDFs, and Co-PCBs were calculated to be 17, 470, and 120 ppb, respectively. The relative contribution of these classes to the total TEQ in Yusho oil is 3%, 77%, and 20%, respectively, indicating that PCDFs play a major role in the toxicity of Yusho oil. Furthermore, it was confirmed that 2,3,4,7,8-penta-CDF contributes 58% to the total TEQ, supporting the view that this compound is the principal causal agent in Yusho poisoning. It is noteworthy that the most toxic 2,3,7,8-tetra-CDD was newly discovered, although it contributes only 0.1% to the total TEQ. Based on our data, the smallest TEQ intake during the latent period was estimated to be 0.067 mg for Yusho patients. This value is about 60% of that previously reported, suggesting a lower minimum threshold level for the development of the toxic symptoms of Yusho.

Historical PCDD inputs and their source implications from dated sediment cores in Queensland (Australia).

Recent investigations have demonstrated the presence of an unidentified source of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) in the coastal zone of Queensland (Australia). The present study provides new information on the possible PCDD sources and their temporal input to this environment. Two estuarine sediment cores were collected in northern Queensland for which radiochemical chronologies were established. Core sections from different depositional ages, up to three centuries, have been analyzed for 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Variations of PCDD concentrations in the sediment cores over several centuries of depositional history were relatively small, and elevated PCDD levels were still present in sediment slices from the early 17th century. PCDD/F isomer patterns and congener profiles in sediments deposited during the last 350 years were almost identical and correlated well to the characteristic profiles observed in surface sediments and soils from the entire Queensland coastline. Profiles were dominated by higher chlorinated PCDDs, in particular octachlorodibenzodioxin (OCDD), whereas PCDF concentrations were below or near the limit of detection. These results indicate the presence of a PCDD source prior to industrialization and production of commercial organochlorine products. Further, the present study demonstrates that PCDD input patterns have been similar along an extensive but localized area over at least several centuries, contributing relatively high concentrations of PCDDs to the coastal system of Queensland.

Effects of cooking on concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and related compounds in green leafy vegetable 'Komatsuna'.

The effects of ordinary household cooking processes on concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (dioxins) were investigated in 'komatsuna', a green leafy vegetable popular in Japan. The concentrations of dioxins were compared using isomer-specific analyses of both uncooked and cooked edible parts of the plant. The mean total 2,3,7,8-chlorine substituted PCDD and PCDF concentrations were reduced from 46.53 pg/g and 0.714 pg/g to 8.301 pg/g and 0.210 pg/g by washing with tap water, and further reduced to 6.054 pg/g and 0.148 pg/g by subsequent boiling, respectively. The cooking processes markedly decreased the concentrations of PCDD/Fs, while having little effect on those of dioxin-like PCBs. The mean total concentration as 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD equivalents (TEQ) was reduced from 0.058 pgTEQ/g to 0.026 pgTEQ/g by washing with tap water and further reduced to 0.019 pgTEQ/g by subsequent boiling. These results suggest that ordinary cooking processes provide a means of reducing the level of dioxins in green leafy vegetables.

Testing the USA EPA's ISCST-Version 3 model on dioxins: a comparison of predicted and observed air and soil concentrations

The central purpose of our study was to examine the performance of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) nonreactive Gaussian air quality dispersion model, the Industrial Source Complex Short-Term Model (ISCST3) Version 98226, in predicting polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans concentrations (subsequently referred to as dioxins and furans, or CDD/Fs) in both air and soil near the Columbus Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy Facility (CMSWTE) in Columbus, OH. During its 11 yr operation, the CMSWTE was estimated to be emitting nearly 1 kg of CDD/F Toxic Equivalents (TEQs) per year, making it one of the highest single emitters of dioxin in the United States during its operation. An ambient air-monitoring study conducted in 1994, prior to its shutdown in December of 1994, clearly identified high dioxin air concentration in the downwind direction during two sampling events. In one of the events, the CMSWTE stack was concurrently monitored for dioxins. A soil sampling study conducted in 1995/1996 was similarly able to identify an area of impacted soil extending mainly in the predominant downwind direction up to 3 km from the CMSWTE. Site-specific information, including meteorological data, stack parameters and emission rates, and terrain descriptions, were input into ISCST3 to predict ground-level 48-h concentrations which could be compared with the 48-h measured air concentrations. Predicted annual average dry and wet deposition of particle-bound dioxins were input into a simple soil reservoir model to predict soil concentrations that would be present after 11.5 yr of emissions, which were compared to measured concentrations. Both soil- and air-predicted concentrations were generally within a factor of 10 of observations, and judged to be reasonable given the small number of observations and the uncertainties of the exercise. Principal uncertainties identified and discussed include: source characterization (stack emission rates of dioxins), meteorological data, and atmospheric and soil fate and transformation processes of the dioxins

Exposure of northern leopard frogs in the green bay ecosystem to polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans is measured by direct chemistry but not hepatic ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase activity.

We measured concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in northern leopard frogs collected from the Green Bay ecosystem and explored the catalytic activity of hepatic cytochrome P450-associated monooxygenase (P450 enzyme) as a biomarker for exposure to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. The two hypotheses tested were PCH concentrations in northern leopard frogs would be positively correlated with sediment polychlorinated hydrocarbon (PCH) levels in wetland habitats along a contamination gradient and hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity of northern leopard frogs, which is presumably mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), would be positively correlated with PCH concentrations in frog carcasses (whole body minus liver) from different collection sites. In 1994 to 1995, frogs from seven sites along the lower Fox River and Green Bay, USA, were assayed for hepatic EROD activities and whole carcass concentrations of PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs. Tissue total PCB concentrations ranging from 3 to 154 ng/g were significantly correlated with sediment PCB levels. Only one PCDD and two PCDFs at concentrations of 6 to 8 pg/g were found in the frogs collected from one of the sites. The EROD activity in frogs ranging from 186 to 270 pmol/min/mg protein was not significantly correlated with frog body weight and was similar among sites except for Peter's Marsh. No significant correlation was found between EROD activity and carcass PCB concentration. This result was consistent with the fact that the frogs collected from the Green Bay ecosystem had relatively low PCB concentrations compared with what was required for induction in the laboratory (ED50 for EROD is between 700 and 2,300 ng/g).

Levels of PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs in commercial butter samples in Spain

Feasibility of three different extraction methods for the simultaneous determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in butter is discussed. The method based on liquid-liquid extraction with water of the non fatty solids from butter dissolved in hexane was found to be the most efficinent for the determination of the lipid content and the levels of the investigated pollutants. This method was used to evaluate the background levels of PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs in butters commercially available in Spain. Broad ranges of PCB, specifically, PCDD and PCDF concentrations were found in the different brands analysed. Levels, profiles and patterns of these pollutants in butter were compared with those previously reported for different Spanish dairy products. The toxic tetra-equivalents of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (I-TEQ) averages for PCDDs and PCDFs in the 21 butter samples analysed were 0.41 and 0.70 pg/g fat basis, respectively. These values were similar or lower than those cited in the literature for other countries.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in New Zealand cetaceans

Limited information is available on the concentrations of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) in cetaceans from the Southern Hemisphere. This paper presents data on blubber concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Hector's dolphins, dusky dolphins, southern right whale dolphins, blue whales, minke whales, Gray's beaked whales, Cuvier's beaked whales and pygmy right whales stranded in New Zealand. Both HAH concentrations and toxic equivalents (TEQs) are found to be higher in Hector's dolphins, a species with an inshore distribution, than in other odontocetes, which are more oceanic. Baleen whales, which are oceanic and feed at lower trophic levels, present the lowest levels of pollutants, with PCDD and PCDF concentrations usually below detection limits. The PCB profiles of the various species suggest that they are exposed to different PCB sources. Overall, HAH levels detected are lower than those reported for comparable species in the Northern Hemisphere. The relative abundance of low chlorinated PCB congeners in New Zealand cetaceans, as compared to those from northern waters, suggests that the origin of these compounds is mostly atmospheric deposition.

EXPOSURE OF NORTHERN LEOPARD FROGS IN THE GREEN BAY ECOSYSTEM TO POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS, POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS, AND POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZOFURANS IS MEASURED BY DIRECT CHEMISTRY BUT NOT HEPATIC ETHOXYRESORUFIN-O-DEETHYLASE ACTIVITY

We measured concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in northern leopard frogs collected from the Green Bay ecosystem and explored the catalytic activity of hepatic cytochrome P450-associated monooxygenase (P450 enzyme) as a biomarker for exposure to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. The two hypotheses tested were PCH concentrations in northern leopard frogs would be positively correlated with sediment polychlorinated hydrocarbon (PCH) levels in wetland habitats along a contamination gradient and hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity of northern leopard frogs, which is presumably mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), would be positively correlated with PCH concentrations in frog carcasses (whole body minus liver) from different collection sites. In 1994 to 1995, frogs from seven sites along the lower Fox River and Green Bay, USA, were assayed for hepatic EROD activities and whole carcass concentrations of PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs. Tissue total PCB concentrations ranging from 3 to 154 ng/g were significantly correlated with sediment PCB levels. Only one PCDD and two PCDFs at concentrations of 6 to 8 pg/g were found in the frogs collected from one of the sites. The EROD activity in frogs ranging from 186 to 270 pmol/min/mg protein was not significantly correlated with frog body weight and was similar among sites except for Peter's Marsh. No significant correlation was found between EROD activity and carcass PCB concentration. This result was consistent with the fact that the frogs collected from the Green Bay ecosystem had relatively low PCB concentrations compared with what was required for induction in the laboratory (ED50 for EROD is between 700 and 2,300 ng/g).

The Toxic Equivalents Approach for Fish and Wildlife

A NEED FOR THE APPROACH The use of industrial, agricultural, and commercial products, as well as in­ cineration of the wastes of our society has lead to the release of polychlorinat­ ed biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-pdioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) into the environments around us. PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs, as well as other planar halogenated hydrocarbons (PHHs), can persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in top predators of the food web, and result in deleterious effects in exposed fish and wildlife. Manda­ tory restrictions in use (viz., PCBs) and increased efforts to reduce the unin­ tentional production of other PHHs, such as PCDDs and PCDFs, have largely been successful in controlling the release of PHHs into the environment. De­ clining concentrations of PHHs in fish and wildlife species have been observed in many areas around the world. For example, the concentrations of PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs in most food webs in the Great Lakes have declined pre­ cipitously over the past three decades (Baumann and Whittle, 1988; Herbert et aZ., 1994). Likewise, the concentrations of many of the persistent organochlo­ rine chemicals found in biota of the Baltic Sea have decreased (Bignert et al., 1995). Even with many successful stories of significant reductions in environ­ mental concentrations of persistent PHHs, we still have the need and the re­ quirement to understand if these chemicals are above or below a threshold for adverse, toxic effects in fish and wildlife species. The complex nature of chem­ ical mixtures do not allow simple chemical by chemical regulatory procedures to work as accurately as is needed. The concept of toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) and toxic equivalents (TEQs) for PHHs was introduced some time ago as the cytosolic receptor, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah-R) was discovered (Poland and Glover, 19’75). The

Bioaerosols and Particle Release During Composting of Contaminated Sawmill Soil

Compost windrows for bioremediation of soil were built at a wood-preserving site contaminated with chlorophenols, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Sampling of airborne particles during the mixing of the compost windrows found concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in different particle sizes. The congener distribution of PCDDs and PCDFs in the collected air particle fractions was similar to that in the compost windrows, and the level of PCDDs and PCDFs was 1000-fold higher than the atmospheric background values reported previously. Viable particle-sizing samplers and several selective growth media were used to enumerate bacteria and fungi in the airborne particles. From the collected air samples, 40 bacteria were isolated and identified. Among the isolated bacteria, 80% were Gram-positive and spore-forming. Two of the identified airborne bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus, may cause human disease and are classified in biological agent hazard group 2. The amounts of airborne fungi, molds, and yeasts were 1000 to 2000 colony-forming units (CFUs) per m3. The number of actinomycetes was up to 6-fold, and the number of bacteria was 2- to 20-fold compared to background values. The overall level of airborne bacteria (200 to 3500 CFUs per m3) was low compared to the level of bacteria (105 to 108 CFUs per m3) found when composting municipal waste.

PCDDs and PCDFs concentration in combustion gases and bottom ash from incineration of hospital wastes in Poland

The result from the determination of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in combustion gases and bottom ash from eighteen of Polish hospital waste incinerators is presented. Thirteen of the investigated plants were built between 1994 and 1997. Eight of them shown low PCDDs/Fs concentration in stack gases, below 0.1 ng-TEQ/m 3 n. For two plants concentrations of PCDDs/Fs in stack gas were above 20 ng-TEQ/m 3 n. In all of the samples of bottom ash taken from pyrolytic chambers, PCDDs and PCDFs were in the level of 8 - 45 μg TEQ/kg. A method used for sampling and analysis is described.

Blood lipid concentrations of dioxins and furans in a sample of BASF employees included in the IARC registry of workers exposed to phenoxy acid herbicides and/or chlorophenols.

Depending on process conditions, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) may be generated as low-level byproducts of chlorophenol and chlorophenoxy herbicides manufacture. A stratified random sample of 20 active employees from a cohort of phenoxy herbicide workers was selected in 1995 for determining PCDD and PCDF congeners in blood lipids to assess the extent of past PCDD and PCDF exposure in this cohort and whether that exposure might explain site-specific cancer findings in the total cohort. This cohort is included in the IARC International Registry of Persons Exposed to Phenoxyacid Herbicides and Their Contaminants. For the 19 persons who participated, median PCDD and PCDF concentrations were comparable to background concentrations in the general population. Median levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, the sum of hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, pentachlorodibenzofurans, and two dioxin toxicity equivalents values were statistically higher in 7 employees assigned to synthesis operations than for 12 employees assigned to other operations. However, the PCDD and PCDF concentrations were low relative to those seen in other dioxin-exposed cohorts. We conclude that PCDD and PCDF exposures of cohort members are unlikely to explain the elevated standardized mortality ratios observed in this cohort for several cancer sites.

Effects of dioxins and furans on liver enzymes, lipid parameters, and thyroid hormones in former thermal metal recycling workers.

A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the internal exposure of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in former workers in a nonferrous metal recycling facility. Liver enzymes, lipid parameters, and thyroid hormones were measured to check possible biologic effects. Compared to background levels, the international toxicity equivalent levels of exposed workers were slightly elevated (median 42 ppt, range 13-281 ppt). The workers also had higher total PCDF concentrations (median 128 ppt, range 30-1138 ppt). Correlation analyses demonstrate significant associations with only one liver enzyme, alanine aminotransferase. There were no such associations with serum cholesterol levels or with serum thyroid hormones. Because of the cross-sectional design of the study, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. For further evaluation, a follow-up examination appears necessary.

Environmental contamination and developmental abnormalities in eggs and hatchlings of the common snapping turtle ( Chelydra serpentina serpentina) from the Great Lakes—St Lawrence River basin (1989–1991)

During 1989–1991, we assessed developmental abnormalities in embryos and hatchlings from eggs of the common snapping turtle ( Chelydra serpentina serpentina). Eggs were collected and artificially incubated from eight sites in Ontario, Canada and Akwesasne/New York, USA. In eggs from the same clutches we measured 20 organochlorine pesticides, 48 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) congeners including 6 non-ortho PCBs, 8 polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), 14 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and total mercury. We found a significant increase in abnormal development with increasing polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in eggs, particularly PCDD and PCDF concentrations. In contrast, the risk of abnormality was not significantly higher as toxic equivalent concentrations increased in eggs. We also found significant 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and Cytochrome P4501A responses in livers of hatchling turtles from Lake Ontario relative to hatchlings from a clean, inland site whereas we did not find any evidence of porphyria in the hatchlings from either site.

Effects of Sewage Sludges Contaminated with Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Dibenzofurans, and Biphenyls on Agricultural Soils

The fate of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sewage sludges after agricultural application was analyzed. This study was based on the experiments designed for two soils with different agronomical characteristics after applying different rates of sewage sludge. The concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in soils were determined before and after the application of sewage sludges, and a general increase was observed with the applied rate, especially in the case of the PCDDs. The values of sludge-treated areas were 1.2-11.6 times higher than the respective values of the noncontaminated areas. Changes observed in the ratio between PCDD and PCDF levels and in the isomeric distribution also suggest the influence of the sewage sludge on the soil. The values of sludge-treated areas were compared with the limits proposed in Germany for agricultural and horticultural land uses. The results of the soil investigation showed that, in the case of an initial soil with low contamination, the final soil did not exceed the limit; but, in the case of an initial soil with considerable contamination, the final soil exceed the limit, which restricts the cultivation of certain vegetables.

Contaminants in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) from the upper Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada

AbstractFour white sturgeon were collected from the upper Fraser River near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, in the fall of 1991 and 1992. Two additional fish were taken from the Fraser River near Williams Lake, some 250 km downstream of Prince George. Samples of white muscle, red muscle, liver, and roe were analyzed for metals, polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), non‐ortho and mono–ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and chlorophenols to determine whether the tissues of this species were acceptable for human consumption. The concentrations of mercury in the white muscle and liver of several fish from the upper Fraser River exceeded the provincial tissue residue criteria for people who consumed low quantities of fish (i.e., 210 g wet weight/week). The concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs (expressed as 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin toxic equivalents) in red muscle and liver of these fish exceeded the Health Canada working guidelines for the protection of human health. By comparison, white sturgeon collected in the lower Fraser River had much lower concentrations of metals and organic contaminants. The differences in contaminant burdens in fish from the two widely separated reaches of the river reflect their proximity to or distance from known contaminant sources.

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and non-ortho coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls in river and offshore sediments

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and non-ortho chlorine substituted coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (Co-PCBs, non-ortho Cl CBs) in river and offshore sediment samples were analyzed isomer-specifically using 13C-labeled their respective internal standards and a selected ion monitoring method of high resolution gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These compounds were found in all samples analyzed. The average concentrations of the total PCDDs, PCDFs and Co-PCBs in the 23 sediment samples taken from rivers were 11 000, 1300 and 160 pgg −1 of dry wt, respectively, those in six offshore sediments were 7600, 980 and 52 pgg −1, respectively. The concentrations of Co-PCBs were much lower than those of PCDDs and PCDFs in all sediment samples. The magnitude of these concentrations was in the order of lower reach of river > offshore area > upper reach of river. The concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in the rural river were higher than those in the urban river, whereas the Co-PCB concentration in an urban river was six times higher than that in a rural river. The Co-PCB concentrations in the urban area and industrial area were higher than that in any other area. These findings suggest that the pollution by PCDDs and PCDFs was derived from some kinds of incinerations and herbicides applied in the past and that Co-PCB pollution was caused by PCB preparation used in the past in urban and industrial areas and by municipal waste incineration in urban areas.

Increased concentrations of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in cases with breast cancer--results from a case-control study.

Organochlorines are persistent and highly lipophilic environmental contaminants which bioaccumulate in the food chain. Some of these chemicals, 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), have been suggested to be of significance in the aetiology of breast cancer. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an anti-oestrogen in animal studies and should be thus lower the risk of breast cancer. The other isomers of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) or the chemically related polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) have not been tested regarding carcinogenesis of the breast. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PCDDs or PCDFs influence the risk for breast cancer. Consecutive patients who underwent surgery for a breast disease between 1993 and 1995 were recruited for the study. Cases were 22 patients with infiltrative breast cancer and controls were 19 patients operated for a benign breast disease during the same time period. Approximately 10 g of breast tissue free from tumour was taken from the specimen and frozen until analysis. Fat was extracted, cleaned and analysed with a high-resolution gas chromatograph coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometer. Median concentrations of octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) were 598 (170-14,880) and 396 (103-1,847) pg/g lipid in the cases and in the controls, respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for other risk factors for breast cancer increased odds ratio (OR) was obtained for OCDD: 401-1000 pg/g lipid yielded OR 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-39, > 1000 pg/g lipid gave OR 5.2, CI 0.4-72. When the lipid OCDD variable was examined as a continuous risk factor there was a 1.09 (9%), CI 0.95-1.25, increase in the adjusted OR for breast cancer per 100 unit (pg/g lipid) increase in OCDD. No differences were found between cases and controls for the other six tested PCDDs. Mean concentration of TCDD was in the cases 3.6 (1.0-7.9) and in the controls 3.3 (1.1-6.3) pg/g lipid. For PCDFs no significant differences were found between cases and controls. The results were not changed if oestrogen or progesterone receptor status, S-phase fraction and DNA ploidy were considered. Breast tissue concentration of OCDD was increased in cancer patients, whereas the concentrations of other PCDDs and PCDFs were equal in cases and controls.