Chlorocarbons in adipose tissue from a Missouri population

Specimens of abdominal wall adipose tissue from 35 individuals who died in St. Louis, MO, were analyzed by an isomer-specific GC/MS technique for 2, 3, 7, 8-substituted tetra- through octachlorodibenzodioxins and tetra- and pentachlorodibenzofurans. Detectable amounts of all compounds were found in all specimens; quantification could be carried out on seven of them. Concentrations correlate positively with age; acceptable linear correlations were found between the tetra- and pentachlorodibenzodioxin and pentachlorodibenzofuran concentrations and age. The pattern of concentrations found is consistent with airborne particulates being the ultimate source of these compounds.