LEVELS OF PCDDS AND PCDFS IN ADIPOSE-TISSUE FROM SPANISH PEOPLE

We have analyzed 19 samples of human adipose tissue obtained from gene ral population of Madrid (Spain), determining the levels of tetra- to octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans. We found that PCDD are present in higher concentrations than PCDFs, with the levels for PCDDs increasing by about two orders of magnitude with chlorination, from t etra- to octa-. The distribution of PCDFs among groups of congeners wa s more uniform than that of PCDDs. The concentration of penta-, hexa- and hepta-congeners was usually below 70 pg/g. Levels and patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs in Spanish adipose tissues were similar to those found in other industrialized countries.