Environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants measured in breast milk of lactating women from an urban area in central Poland

Abstract

Mothers’ milk is considered a channel by means of which new-borns are exposed to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), environmental pollutants entering food chain and accumulating in fat-rich tissues. In this study, the concentrations of selected PCDDs, PCDFs, and dl-PCBs (a total of 29 substances) in milk samples of 110 breast-feeding women from an urban area were analyzed using the high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry method. Environmental exposure to these substances was expressed by means of the World Health Organization Toxicity Equivalent (WHO-TEQ2005) using the Toxicity Equivalent Factor values from van der Berg et al. (Toxicol. Sci. 93: 223-241, 2006). Concentrations and WHO-TEQ2005 values were then searched for plausible relationships with selected demographic and diet-related factors. The total WHO-TEQ2005 toxicity equivalent for all 29 substances was (mean ± SD) 10.57 ± 4.57 pg/g fat, while the WHO-TEQ2005 levels of PCDDs/PCDFs and dl-PCBs were 7.90 ± 4.17 pg/g fat and 2.67 ± 1.36 pg/g fat, respectively. The concentration and WHO-TEQ2005 toxicity equivalent of dl-PCBs correlated significantly with the mothers’ age (rP = 0.3814, p < 0.00005; rP = 0.2817, p < 0.005, respectively). The total WHO-TEQ2005 toxicity equivalent for all analyzed substances was found to be positively associated with the frequency of consumption of fish and dairy products (p < 0.05 for both associations). These outcomes must, however, be interpreted cautiously due to limited size of the study. The results of this paper may provide a basis for further studies on the exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs, and dl-PCBs, and mechanisms underlying their action.

PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and Its Farming Environment in Shanghai, China

“…The findings of the current study revealed that the highest proportions of PCB-118 and PCB-105 were found in farm crabs (51.8% and 19.8%) and in market crabs (51.2% and 18.3%). Compared to PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs were abundantly produced and used in the past, and they are relatively difficult to degrade under the influence of physical and chemical factors [ 28 ]. The most decent explanation for the above statement may be that the presence of residual PCB-118 and PCB-105 in crab may make DL-PCBs more stable.…”

Determinants of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Levels in Human Specimens: A Review

“…Four journal articles discovered a correlation between age and POPs levels where cis-Chlordane, dichloro-diphenyl dichloro-ethylene (DDE), and PCB were found in breast milk, whereas older individuals have higher POPs levels (9,14,30,39). Chlordane is a type of OCPs and is widely used as an insecticide.…”

“…It has been noted that the main source of POPs presence in the human specimens is a dietary habit (30). A total of eight studies discovered associations between dietary habits and POPs levels in human specimens, and the sample used in all those studies is breast milk.…”

“…A study from the United States discovered strong associations between dietary habits comprising of meat, dairy products, fish, and eggs and PCBs levels in normal and underweight individuals (42). A study from Poland observed that dairy products and fish consumption was significantly associated with POPs levels (30). Lastly, a study in Greenland discovered higher POPs levels in individuals who consumed traditional Greenlandic foods frequently (64).…”

“…They are also harmful to infants and children because POPs can be found in mothers' breast milk. Exposure to POPs through a mother's breast milk may develop long-term damages to the infant, such the growth and development (29), irreversible changes in the nervous system (30), increased risk of ADHD (31) and disrupted thyroid homeostasis (32). Prenatal exposure to POPs may cause higher birth weight (33), obesity during childhood (34), and adverse effects on neurodevelopment (35).…”