Blood PCB, p,p '-DDE, and mirex levels in Great Lakes fish and waterfowl consumers in two Ontario communities

PCB, p,p'-DDE, and mirex levels were examined in blood plasma samples of 23 2 anglers from Cornwall and Mississauga, Ontario, in a pilot study to estab lish the feasibility and suitability of using a cohort of Ontario fish lice nse holders for large-scale health studies. Great Lakes fish, waterfowl, an d ocean fish consumption were examined as predictors of contaminant levels using regression analysis, with adjustment for age, gender, and community. Levels of Great Lakes fish and waterfowl consumption and contaminant levels were generally low in comparison with those observed in other Great Lakes studies. However, even within these low levels, Great Lakes fish consumptio n was associated with increased blood plasma PCB levels in men and mirex le vels in both men and women. Waterfowl consumption was associated with highe r plasma PCB (men and women), DDE (men only), and mirex levels (men and Cor nwall women), and requires further exploration. We conclude that other stud y designs are required (to identify high consumers) for carrying out studie s of health effects associated with high levels of Great Lakes fish and wat erfowl consumption. (C) 1999 Academic Press.