Preliminary results of a survey programme for airborne PCDD/F demonstr
ate that present sampling and analysis techniques allow the determinat
ion of low fg/m3 of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzo
furans (PCDFs) in ambient air. Sampling recoveries of PCDD/Fs added to
the filter before sampling gave recoveries of 75+/-10% on average, an
d was found the preferred method for reliable quantification under fie
ld conditions. Particulate bound PCDD/F levels in air in a municipal w
aste incinerator deposition area ranged between 15+/-5 and 125+/-25 fg
TCDD toxicity equivalentS/M3 (International TEQ), the high values fou
nd in downstream air masses. The local background level was estimated
at a value of 10-15 fg TEQ/m3. Congener profiles were very similar in
all wind directions and compared well with that found in MSW emissions
.