PERINATAL EXPOSURE TO POLYCHLORINATED-BIPHENYLS AND DIOXINS THROUGH DIETARY-INTAKE

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans) are potentially hazardous compounds. Sinc e food is the major source (> 90%) for the accumulation of PCBs and di oxins in the human body, food habits in women determine the degree of fetal exposure and levels in human milk. In order to investigate an as sociation between dietary intake and PCB and dioxin levels in human mi lk and PCB levels in maternal and cord plasma, the food intake of 418 Dutch women during pregnancy was recorded using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. After adjusting for covariates, a weak asso ciation was found between the estimated dietary intake of 2,3,7,8-tetr achlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), dioxins, and planar PCBs and t heir corresponding levels in breast milk. The estimated dietary intake of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, dioxins, and planar PCBs was also related to the PCB levels in maternal and cord plasma. Dairy products accounted for abou t half and industrial oils for about a quarter of the estimated 2,3,7, 8-TCDD, dioxin, and the planar PCB intake. It is concluded that the co ntribution of a pregnancy related diet to PCB and dioxin levels in hum an milk and to PCB levels in maternal and cord plasma is relatively lo w. Decrease of exposure-to PCBs and dioxins of the fetus and the neona te probably requires long-term reduction of the intake of these pollut ants. Substitution of normal cheese by low-fat cheese and the use of v egetable oils instead of fish oils in the preparation of foodstuffs by the food industry could contribute to a reduced intake of PCBs and di oxins.