SERUM LEVELS OF POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS AND DIBENZOFURANS IN PULP AND PAPER-MILL WORKERS

Serum levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlo rinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) among 46 long-term workers at a pulp and paper mill were compared to the levels in 16 community residents who never worked at the mill. Overall, there were no appreciable differenc es among the three exposure groups (community resident, low-exposure-p otential worker, high-exposure-potential worker) for specific PCDDs or PCDFs. Neither exposure group nor duration in high-exposure-potential -jobs was related to total toxic equivalents (I-TEQ). Serum levels of PCDDs and PCDFs in this study generally were within the range previous ly reported for persons with no known occupational exposure. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.