Background levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in the population of the Canary Islands (Spain)

摘要: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and toxic compounds that have been detected in human serum or tissues worldwide. The objective of our study was to determine PCB levels a representative sample the general population Spanish Archipelago Canary Islands (607 samples from subjects aged between 6 75 years) order establish main causes this contamination evaluate potential risks posed by these chemicals on through use toxicity equivalence dioxins (TEQs). congeners (28, 52, 77, 81, 101, 105, 114, 118, 123, 126, 138, 153, 156, 157, 167, 169, 180, 189) were measured gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Our results showed residues found 76% analyzed, with 153 180 being most frequently having highest median values (21.8 6.7 ng/g lipid, respectively). Serum non-dioxin-like PCBs increased age, body mass index (BMI), urban habitat, smoking. concentration sum considered as markers environmental (M-PCBs) 46.4 lipid. Levels dioxin-like (DL-PCBs) 48.5 lipid 95th percentile, also positively associated age. As consequence, age seemed be TEQs levels, reaching high 58.6 pg/g oldest people. indicate inhabitants show lower than other populations present mainland, well many developed countries. Nevertheless, may induce adverse health effects even at very low doses, findings should local Public Health authorities measures for diminishing exposure islands PCBs.