SELECTED POLYHALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS IN BREAST-MILK

Breast milk samples were collected and analysed within a comprehensive programme co-ordinated by WHO EURO to evaluate the possible health ri sk for breast-fed infants in chosen localities of European countries ( 'exposed' and 'control' ones). The samples of breast milk were collect ed, stored transported and analysed by a standardised study protocol t o assure the comparability of the results from different areas (of 19 European countries). The study included three categories of chemicals: polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)/polychlorinated dibenzofura ns (PCDFs), dioxine like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other PC Bs. The results obtained confirmed the correct choice of 'exposed' and 'control' regions in the Czech Republic as a suitable tool used to id entify certain geographical areas with relatively high exposure levels for further risk management actions and possible follow-up epidemiolo gical studies. The results obtained have shown high levels of PCBs in exposed region but not in the dioxine-like fraction, that ranged withi n a lower rank of a relevant European data. PCDs/PCDFs levels ranged i n the same lower rank of values in comparison with e.g. Benelux countr ies. The data of this study does not confirm ideas about wide spread e xcessive exposure of central European population to polyhalogenated hy drocarbons via excessive contamination of a local food basket. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.