Dioxin and dibenzofuran concentrations in blood of a general population from Tarragona, Spain

Chemosphere. 1999 Feb;38(5):1123-33. doi: 10.1016/s0045-6535(98)00363-4.

Abstract

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in plasma samples of 20 nonoccupationally exposed subjects living in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI), now under construction in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). The mean PCDD/F value was 27.0 pg I-TEQ/g lipid with a range from 14.8 to 48.9 pg I-TEQ/g lipid. All samples showed higher PCDD than PCDF levels. Although PCDD/F concentrations were higher in women (27.7 pg I-TEQ/g lipid) than in men (25.2 pg I-TEQ/g lipid), the difference was not statistically significant. While a significant correlation (r = 0.565, p < 0.01) between the age of the subjects and the levels of PCDD/F in plasma could be observed, no significant differences were found in relation to the specific residential area. The plasma concentrations of PCDD/F obtained in the current study are discussed and compared with the results of similar investigations reported in the last two years.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Benzofurans / blood*
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Female
  • Hazardous Waste*
  • Humans
  • Incineration
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / blood
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Refuse Disposal
  • Spain
  • Urban Health

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • dibenzofuran