Exposure to heavy metals and PCDD/Fs by the population living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste landfill in Catalonia, Spain: Health risk assessment

Most fly ashes produced in municipal waste incinerators of Catalonia (Spain) are deposited in a hazardous waste landfill (HWL) placed in Castellolí (Barcelona). This facility means a concern for the population living nearby. In response to this, we performed a probabilistic study focused on assessing human health risks derived from environmental exposure to heavy metals and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) around the HWL. Concentrations of various metals and PCDD/Fs were determined in soil and air samples collected at the HWL, and in 4 locations around it. Health risks were evaluated according to the distance from the sampling locations to the HWL (near and far-sites). In general terms, metal and PCCD/F levels were relatively low in air and soil samples. However, concentrations of PCDD/Fs, as well as those of some metals, were found to be relatively higher in the HWL and Castellolí (the nearest village) samples than in those collected far away, resulting in a slight increase of exposure to those pollutants. Anyhow, the current concentrations of metals and PCDD/Fs suggest that it is highly unlikely that there are any additional non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for the population living near the HWL.     

PCDD/F levels in the neighbourhood of a municipal solid waste incinerator after introduction of technical improvements in the facility

In 1998 and 1999, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined in soil and herbage samples collected in the vicinity of an old municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (S. Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona, Spain). Just after the 1999 collection, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out in this facility. The purpose of the present study was to determine the current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in soil and herbage samples collected in the neighbourhood of the MSWI and to compare these concentrations with those obtained in the 1998 and 1999 surveys. During the period 1998-1999, an increase of 31% (P>.05) was found in the median PCDD/F levels in soils, while a reduction of 40% (P>.05) was observed in the period 1999-2000. Similarly, in the period 1998-1999 an increase of 41% (P>.05) was found in the levels of PCDD/Fs in vegetation, while a 30% decrease (P<.05) was seen in the period 1999-2000. Although after introduction of the technical improvements in the MSWI a notable reduction in the levels of PCDD/Fs in soil and vegetation has been noted, the median decreases have not been as great as it could be expected according to the very pronounced reductions in PCDD/F emissions from the stack. It indicates that other emission sources of PCDD/Fs also have a notable impact on the area under direct influence of the MSWI.     

Concentrations of PCDD/Fs,PCBs and PBDEs in breast milk of women from Catalonia,Spain: A follow-up study

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in breast milk from women living in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia, Spain. The results were compared with the levels obtained in two previous surveys carried out in 1998 (baseline study) and 2002. The current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in breast milk ranged from 45 to 143 pg/g fat (2.8 to 11.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat), while total PCBs ranged from 114 to 617 pg/g fat (2.8 to 17.6 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat). PBDE concentrations (sum 15 congeners) ranged from 0.57 ng/g fat to 5.9 ng/g fat, with a mean value of 2.5 ng/g fat. A general decrease of the concentrations for PCDD/Fs and both planar and total PCBs was observed. Regarding to PBDE concentrations in breast milk, similar levels between the 2002 and the present study were noted. The levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in milk of women living in urban areas were higher than those corresponding to the industrial zones (38% and 40%, respectively). However, the current PBDE levels were slightly lower (13%) in the urban than in the industrial zone. For PCDD/Fs and PCBs, the current decreases are in accordance with the reduction in the dietary intake of these pollutants found in recent studies carried out in the same area of study.     

Levels of PCDD/Fs and trace elements in superficial soils of Pavia Province (Italy)

Trace elements and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were analyzed in soils from rural and light-industrialized sites (n=168) of Province of Pavia (Northern Italy). Most of the trace element values fit in typical ranges of concentrations in soils and are similar to the ones reported for rural sites in Italy or sites with no direct anthropogenic impact. Total concentrations of 2,3,7,8 chlorine substituted PCDD/Fs in superficial soils ranged between 24.4 and 1287 pg g(-1) dw (0.5-28.9 pg WHO(98)-TEQ g(-1) dw). The North Eastern part of the Province presented significantly higher levels (p<0.001) than the rest of the Province for As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn and PCDD/Fs. While the existence of a defined heavy metal polluting source for this specific site has been suggested, in the case of PCDD/Fs, profiles were not linked to any specific emission source fingerprint. In the whole extension of Pavia Province, OCDD/F dominated the 2,3,7,8 chlorine substituted congener soil pattern, followed by the 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 hepta-CDD/F congener. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that this profile could not be associated to any described PCDD/F emission source fingerprint and was relatively similar to the baseline deposition of sites with no direct impact of PCDD/F emission sources independently of land use.     

Annual variation in the levels of metals and PCDD/PCDFs in soil and herbage samples collected near a cement plant

In May 2000, the levels of a number of metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, V and Zn) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in soil and herbage samples collected near a cement plant from Sta. Margarida i els Monjos (Catalonia, Spain). To determine the temporal variation in the concentrations of metals and PCDD/PCDFs, in May 2001 soil and herbage samples were again collected at the same sampling points and analyzed for the levels of metals and PCDD/PCDFs. In general terms, metal concentrations in soils did not change between May 2000 and May 2001, while significant decreases in the levels of Cr, Ni and V were found in herbage. On the other hand, no significant differences in the mean I-TEQ values of PCDD/PCDFs were found in soil and herbage samples. The results of this survey show that according to the annual variation in the levels of metals and PCDD/PCDFs the environmental impact of the cement plant on the area under its direct influence is not relevant.     

Health risk assessment of emissions of dioxins and furans from a municipal waste incinerator: comparison with other emission sources

The aim of this study was to calculate the incremental lifetime-risk to dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) for the population living in the surroundings of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI), as well as to establish the potential reduction on human health risks as a consequence of the adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the MSWI stack. Analytical and modelled results were obtained. PCDD/F concentrations in environmental media were determined by means of a simple-compartment-multimedia model (air-soil-vegetation model). Predicted and measured PCDD/F concentrations in soils and vegetation were compared, and the effects of MSWI emissions in the environmental media were determined. Human health risks due to PCDD/F emissions from the MSWI were also estimated based on I-TEQ measured and modelled in various environmental media. Cancer risks due to PCDD/F emissions of the plant were 1.07E-07 and 3.08E-09, before and after installation of the clean air system, respectively. On the other hand, cancer risks due to other PCDD/F emission sources in the area were 5.54E-06 and 1.86E-06. Total PCDD/F cancer risks (including those from diet) for the population living in the vicinity of the MSWI were 1.3E-04 and 4.25E-05, respectively (67.6% of reduction). Hazard ratio for total PCDD/F exposure (including diet) decreased during the last 5 years from 1.16 to 0.38. The above data show that other emission sources of PCDD/Fs also have a notable environmental impact on the area under direct influence of the MSWI.     

Market basket study on dietary intake of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in Finland

We have measured the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD/F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in 10 market baskets consisting of almost 4000 individual food samples representing 228 different food items, and also in the total diet basket. Lower bound concentrations of PCDD/Fs ranged between 0.0057 and 5.6 pg/g fresh weight in the market baskets and the corresponding values for PCBs from 39 to 25,000 pg/g. The fish basket contributed most to the concentrations of dioxins and PCBs, and also to concentrations of PBDEs in which the lower bound range was from 0.82 to 850 pg/g. We also assessed the average daily intakes of these substances by the Finnish adult population. The average daily intake of sum of PCDD/Fs and PCBs as WHO toxic equivalents was assessed to be 115 pg, which was 1.5 pg WHO-TEq/kg body weight using an average mean weight of 76 kg for the general population in Finland. The contribution of fish to the intake of PCDD/Fs was between 94% and 72%, depending on whether lower or upper bound concentrations were used. With respect to PCBs, the contribution of fish was 80%. The calculated intake of PBDEs of 44 ng/day was comparable to intake assessments from other countries. Fish also contributed most to the PBDE intake, but there was some other source of PBDEs that distinguishes the exposure to PBDEs from exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs. This additional source seemed to be found in the market basket that included beverages, spices, and sweets.     

Dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) by a population living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator. Assessment of the temporal trend

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined in a number of foodstuffs purchased in various locations near a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain). The dietary intake of PCDD/Fs by the population of the area under potential influence of the HWI was subsequently estimated. The results were compared with previous surveys performed in the same area in 1998 (baseline), 2002 and 2006. In the present study, the highest WHO-TEQ corresponded to industrial bakery (0.183 ng/kg wet weight, ww), followed by fish (0.156 ng/kg ww), oils and fats (0.112 ng/kg fat weight), and seafood (0.065 ng/kg ww). In contrast, the lowest values were observed in pulses and tubers (0.003 ng/kg ww), and cereals and fruits (0.004 ng/kg ww). The dietary intake of PCDD/Fs by the general population was 33.1 pg WHO-TEQ/day, having fish and seafood (11.6 pg WHO-TEQ), oils and fats (4.61 pg WHO-TEQ), dairy products (3.79 pg WHO-TEQ), and industrial bakery (3.49 pg WHO-TEQ) as the groups showing the highest contribution to the total TEQ. The lowest daily contributions corresponded to pulses (0.08 pg WHO-TEQ) and tubers (0.25 pg WHO-TEQ). This intake was considerably lower than that found in the baseline study, 210.1 pg I-TEQ/day, and also notably lower than that found in the 2002 survey (59.6 pg I-TEQ/day), but slightly higher than the intake estimated in the 2006 survey, 27.8 pg WHO-TEQ/day. The results of this study show that any increase potentially found in the biological monitoring of the general population living in the area under evaluation should not be attributed to dietary exposure to PCDD/Fs.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.)

To explore the concentrations and dynamics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) the reindeer milk and tissue samples were collected from the sub-arctic northern Finland. Reindeer milk's PCB sum (1.20 ng g(-1) wet weight) and PCDD/F sum (0.70 pg g(-1) ww) in autumn were higher than in summer (PCBs 0.50 ng g(-1) ww and PCDD/Fs 0.20 pg g(-1) ww). The mean fat content in autumn milk (26%) was significantly higher than in summer (10%). Concentrations in reindeer milk were generally far below 50% of that in adult reindeer body burden. However, the bioaccumulation factors were multiple in milk/reindeer calf ratio and that aroused the question of other important exposure routes than lactation. The muscle and liver of reindeer calves had higher PCDD/F and PCB concentrations than adult animals that possibly indicate the significance of transfer of these compounds from dam to calf through lactation and placenta. However, PBDE concentrations were higher in adult reindeer, especially in liver. In addition, reindeer liver seems to have a special feature to collect highly toxic PCDD/Fs, although the PCB sum concentrations (range from 0.33 to 1.69 ng g(-1) wet weight) were clearly higher than the sums of PCDD/Fs (range from 3.78 to 39.2 pg g(-1) ww). Stillborn reindeer calves represented individuals who had got their PCDD/F, PCB and PBDE load only via the placenta. Concentrations in muscle and brown adipose tissue samples did not indicate dependency on fat content. Obviously effective placental transfer of PCBs and PBDEs from reindeer dam to foetus was seen in this study.     

Dioxin-like compounds in agricultural soils near e-waste recycling sites from Taizhou area, China: chemical and bioanalytical characterization

The crude recycling of electronic and electric waste (e-waste) is now creating a new set of environmental problems especially in developing countries such as China. The present study aimed to characterize the dioxin-like compounds in Taizhou area, one of the largest e-waste recycling centers in China, using both chemical analysis and in vitro bioassay. Agricultural soil samples were screened for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity with EROD bioassay in H4IIE cells, and the concentrations of the target AhR agonists including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by instruments. The bioassay-derived TCDD equivalents (TEQ(bio)) and the chemical-calculated TCDD equivalents (TEQ(cal)) were then compared, and mass balance analysis was conducted to identify the contributors of the observed response. Raw soil extracts from all locations induced significant AhR activities, where the TEQ(bio) ranged from 5.3 to 210 pg/g dry weight soil (pg/g dw). The total concentrations of 17 PCDD/Fs, 36 PCBs and 16 PAHs varied from 210 to 850 pg/g dw, 11 to 100 ng/g dw, and 330 to 20,000 ng/g dw, respectively. Profile characterization of the target analytes revealed that there were similar sources originating from the crude dismantling of electric power equipments and the open burning of e-waste. There was a significant relationship between TEQ(cal) and TEQ(bio) (r=0.99, p<0.05). Based on the mass balance analysis, PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PAHs could account for the observed AhR responses in vitro elicited by soil extracts, though their respective contributions varied depending on sample location. In this study, the combination of chemical analysis and bioanalytical measurements proved valuable for screening, identifying and prioritizing the causative agents within complex environmental matrices.     

Evaluation of background persistent organic pollutant levels in human from Taiwan: polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls

This study was intended to determine the background levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs in the Taiwanese population and to investigate factors potentially related to PCDD/PCDF and PCB levels. The levels of seventeen PCDD/PCDFs in the 251 serum samples collected from the general population in Taiwan ranged from 4.92 to 26.7 pg WHO(1998)-TEQ/g lipid (median: 11.5) and those of the twelve dioxin-like PCBs ranged between 1.74 and 21.6 pg WHO(1998)-TEQ/g lipid (median: 6.14). Five factors, age, gender, region of residence, dietary status, and smoking status, showed statistically significant association with the TEQ level of PCDD/PCDFs. The TEQ level of PCBs was statistically associated with age only, but not with the other four factors. The trends observed between age and the levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs were not parallel in young subjects (<30 years old) and old subjects (>30 years old). The levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs increased by 0.16 and 0.03 WHO(1998)-TEQ/g lipid per year for subjects above the age of 30, but there was no evidence of any association between age and the levels for subjects below the age of 30 years. These factors should be considered when investigating relationships between background serum levels of persistent organic pollutants and parameters associated with exposure sources or health outcomes.     

Patterns of serum PCDD/Fs affected by vegetarian regime and consumption of local food for residents living near municipal waste incinerators from Taiwan

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible factors affecting serum polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and dibenzofuran (PCDF) levels of people living near municipal waste incinerators (MWIs). We selected 19 MWIs in Taiwan and collected 1708 serum samples from residents 18-65 years old who had lived within 5 km of one of the selected MWIs for at least 5 years. The samples were analyzed using a standardized study protocol to assure comparability of the concentrations from 17 PCDD/F congeners. The results suggested that a vegetarian regimen was a protective factor to avoid serum PCDD/F accumulation in the subjects. In addition, the current data seemed to support the hypothesis that serum PCDD/F levels of residents living near MWIs are related to they consumed the locally grown or cultivated vegetable and animal foods, such as poultry products near the MWIs. Our results can be used to create guidelines for preventing excessive PCDD/F accumulation from eating animal and vegetable foods grown near MWIs.     

Health risk assessment of PCDD/F emissions from a hazardous and medical waste incinerator in Turkey

A multimedia risk assessment procedure was conducted to determine the fate and transport of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emissions from the Izmit Hazardous and Medical Waste Incinerator (IZAYDAS) in Turkey and their potential health risks. Congener concentrations in ambient air and their deposition rates were determined by an air dispersion model (ISCST3). Their transfer to some plant groups and animal tissues was predicted by food chain modeling. Exposure scenarios were produced based on three receptor groups (urban, semiurban, and rural) and five subgroups determined according to ages. Daily intakes of PCDD/Fs via exposure pathways were determined based on three different emission scenarios for each group and subgroup. Estimated incremental PCDD/F doses caused by the incinerator emissions in central-tendency scenario were computed as between 2.31 x 10(-6) and 0.008 pg TEQ kg(-1) bodyweight (bw) day(-1) on average for all the receptors other than infants in all the settings, while the range was 3.01 x 10(-5)-0.081 pg TEQ kg(-1) bw day(-1) for infants. Sensitivity analysis showed that the consumption of vegetal products and their locally grown fractions are the most significant parameters in the exposure to PCDD/Fs in the area.     

Multi-compartmental environmental surveillance of a petrochemical area: levels of micropollutants

Since 2002, the chemical/petrochemical industrial zone of Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain) is being annually monitored. As part of the environmental surveillance program, in this study the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Pb and V) were determined in soil and vegetation samples collected in 4 areas of Tarragona County (chemical, petrochemical, urban/residential, and unpolluted). Moreover, the airborne concentrations of the same micropollutants were determined in each area. In soil samples, significant higher levels of PCNs and higher concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PAHs were found in the urban zone. PCDD/F levels in vegetation samples significantly decreased from 2002. The concentrations of Cr in soil samples, as well as V levels in vegetation samples collected in the vicinity of an oil refinery were significantly higher than those found in the unpolluted zones. A significant and progressive increase in V concentrations was also noted. The current results clearly indicate that the petrochemical industry is still being an important focus of inorganic pollution for the surrounding environment. In air, the higher amount of the 7 carcinogenic PAHs suggests a relatively greater impact on the petrochemical and urban areas. The temporal trend of the global pollution was also studied an Integral Risk Index was applied.     

E-waste recycling induced polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans pollution in the ambient environment

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been determined in 30 samples, including soil, biota and plant collected from an electronic waste recycling site and its vicinage towns. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) were also simultaneously analyzed in 20 samples. PBDEs were detected in all soil samples and the highest was up to 789 ng/g dry weight (dw). The toxic equivalency (TEQ) of PCBs and PCDD/Fs detected in E-waste recycling site is significant higher than those in the vicinage samples. Biota and plant were also contaminated with high level of PBDEs, PCBs and PCDD/Fs in this area. High levels of the three kinds of organic compounds in the environmental samples showed that the E-waste recycling have induced serious environmental problems.     

Characteristics of the PAH emissions from the incineration of livestock wastes with/without APCD

This study was conducted on two batch-type livestock waste incinerators, including the one with an air-pollution control device (APCD)-one wet scrubber (WSB) and the other without APCD for the disposal of livestock wastes. The concentration and composition of 21 individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the stack flue gas (gas and particle phases), bottom ash, and effluent of WSB were determined. Stack flue gas samples were collected by a PAH stack-sampling system. Twenty-one individual PAHs were analyzed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Due to the low combustion temperature, a remarkable and significant increase in the total-PAH concentration of emission from the stack with APCD was observed when compared with the case without APCD. Measured total-PAH emission factors were 285 and 2.86 mg/kg waste for the incineration with and without APCD, respectively, while BaP (the most carcinogenic PAH) emission factors were 0.79 and 0.12 mg/kg waste for the incineration with and without APCD. The total-PAH output/input mass ratios averaged 0.011 and 0.004 with and without APCD, respectively. The result reveals that the PAH content in the auxiliary fuel during the incinerating process could affect the emission of PAH.     

Risk assessment of PCDD/Fs levels in human tissues related to major food items based on chemical analyses and micro-EROD assay

Nine groups of food items (freshwater fish, marine fish, pork, chicken, chicken eggs, leafy, non-leafy vegetables, rice and flour) and three types of human samples (human milk, maternal serum and cord serum) were collected for the analysis of PCDD/Fs. Results of chemical analysis revealed PCDD/Fs concentrations (pg g^− 1 fat) in the following ascending order: pork (0.289 pg g^− 1 fat), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) (freshwater fish) (0.407), golden thread (Nemipterus virgatus) (marine fish) (0.511), chicken (0.529), mandarin fish (Siniperca kneri) (marine fish) (0.535), chicken egg (0.552), and snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) (marine fish) (1.219). The results of micro-EROD assay showed relatively higher PCDD/Fs levels in fish (2.65 pg g^− 1 fat) when compared with pork (0.47), eggs (0.33), chicken (0.13), flour (0.07), vegetables (0.05 pg g^− 1 wet wt) and rice (0.05). The estimated average daily intake of PCDD/Fs of 3.51 pg EROD-TEQ/kg bw/day was within the range of WHO Tolerable Daily Intake (1–4 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bw/day) and was higher than the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake (PMTL) (70 pg for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs) recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) [Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), Summary and conclusions of the fifty-seventh meeting, JECFA, 2001.]. Nevertheless, the current findings were significantly lower than the TDI (14 pg WHO-TEQ/kg/bw/day) recommended by the Scientific Committee on Food of the Europe Commission [European Scientific Committee on Food (EU SCF), Opinions on the SCF on the risk assessment of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food, 2000.]. However, it should be noted that micro-EROD assay overestimates the PCDD/Fs levels by 2 to 7 folds which may also amplify the PCDD/Fs levels accordingly. Although the levels of PCDD/Fs obtained from micro-EROD assay were much higher than those obtained by chemical analysis by 2 to 7 folds, it provides a cost-effective and rapid screening of dioxin levels in food and human samples.     

Human exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs associated with seafood consumption in Korea from 2005 to 2007

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs) were measured in 26 seafoods commonly consumed by the Korean population. The total toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations in seafood samples ranged from 0.01 to 6.76 pg TEQ/g wet wt, which were comparable with those found in other countries. The predominant congeners found in seafood samples were 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-PeCDF and 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDF for PCDD/Fs and PCB 118 for DLPCBs. Dietary intakes of PCDD/Fs and DLPCBs from seafood consumption were estimated for various age groups and gender in Korea. The dietary intake of PCDD/Fs and DLPCBs from seafood consumption for the general population was estimated to be 1.23 pg TEQ/kg bw/day, values that are in the range of those reported for other countries. Mackerel, tuna and hairtail contributed to the highest TEQ intakes, which collectively accounted for 66% of the total intake. Among the eight age groups investigated, 3-6 year old children had the highest TEQ exposure, followed by 50-64 years, 30-39 years and <2 years. Considering contributions of seafood consumption to the total dietary intake studies, the dietary TEQ intakes to the general population appear to be below the threshold values by international organizations. The present study may be useful for risk management for dioxins and dioxin-like contaminants in Korean seafood.     

Flame retardants in indoor dust and air of a hotel in Japan

Occurrence of flame retardants (FRs) in the indoor environment of highly flame-retarded public facilities is an important concern from the viewpoint of exposure because it is likely that FRs are used to a greater degree in these facilities than in homes. For this study, brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame-retardants and plasticizers (OPs), and brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PBDD/DFs) were measured in eight floor dust samples taken from a Japanese commercial hotel that was assumed to have many flame-retardant materials. Concentrations of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) varied by about two orders of magnitude, from 9.8–1700 ng/g (median of 1200 ng/g) and from 72–1300 ng/g (median of 740 ng/g), respectively. Concentrations of the two types of BFRs described above were most dominant among the investigated BFRs in the dust samples. It is inferred that BFR and PBDD/DF concentrations are on the same level as those in house and office dust samples reported based on past studies. Regarding concentrations of 11 OPs, 7 OPs were detected on the order of micrograms per gram, which are equivalent to or exceed the BFR concentrations such as PBDEs and HBCDs. Concentrations of the investigated compounds were not uniform among dust samples collected throughout the hotel: concentrations differed among floors, suggesting that localization of source products is associated with FR concentrations in dust. Passive air sampling was also conducted to monitor BFRs in the indoor air of hotel rooms: the performance of an air cleaner placed in the room was evaluated in terms of reducing airborne BFR concentrations. Monitoring results suggest that operation of an appropriate air cleaner can reduce both gaseous and particulate BFRs in indoor air.     

PAH mass concentrations measured in PM10 particle fraction

This paper presents daily, monthly and yearly variations of PAH mass concentrations measured in PM(10) particle fraction, collected at one measuring site in Zagreb air between 2001 and 2004, and seasonal differences in PAH mass concentrations in PM(10) samples collected from 21 March 2003 to 20 March 2004. Twenty-four hour samples were taken in the northern residential part of Zagreb using a low-volume (50 m(3)) sampler and glass or quartz filters. The analysis was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and fluorescence detector with changeable excitation and emission wavelength. The annual average mass concentrations over the four-year measuring period for BaP ranged from 1.17 ng/m(3) in 2004 to 1.87 ng/m(3) in 2003 and were below the limit value (2 ng/m(3)) set by the Ordinance on Recommended and Limit Air Quality Values in Croatia. The highest concentrations of all PAHs measured in PM(10) samples collected from 21 March 2003 to 20 March 2004 were found in the winter and the lowest in the summer. Winter average of BaP was 2.94 ng/m(3) and summer average 0.12 ng/m(3). Autumn average was 2.76 ng/m(3) and was very similar to winter concentrations. Spring average of 0.58 ng/m(3) was higher than the summer average (0.12 ng/m(3)). Mass concentrations of all measured PAHs were much higher in the autumn than in the spring. Although annual averages for BaP did not exceed the limit value, autumn and winter BaP mass concentrations did, which calls for measures for reducing PAH emissions in the autumn and winter.