Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Research Article
  • Published:

Serum concentrations of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans among former Michigan trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol workers

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology volume 17, pages 541–548 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

This study examines serum levels of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated dioxins and furans, and PCBs for 375 Michigan workers with potential chlorophenol exposure, 37 Worker Referents, and 71 Community Referents. The chlorophenol workers were last exposed to trichlorophenol and/or pentachlorophenol 26–62 years ago. Employees working only in the trichlorophenol units had mean lipid-adjusted 2378-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) levels of 15.9 ppt compared with 6.5 ppt in the Worker Referents. Employees working only in the pentachlorophenol units had mean lipid-adjusted levels for 123478-H6CDD of 16.1 ppt, 123678-H6CDD of 150.6 ppt, 123789-H6CDD of 20.2 ppt, 1234678-H7CDD of 192.6 ppt, and OCDD of 2,594.0 ppt compared with the Worker Referent levels for the same congeners of 7.5, 74.7, 8.6, 68.7, and 509.1 ppt, respectively. All furan and PCB levels among workers in the trichlorophenol and/or pentachlorophenol departments were similar to the Worker Referents. The Tradesmen who worked throughout the plant had dioxin congener profiles consistent with both trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol exposures. PCB levels and levels of 23478-P5CDF, 123478-H6CDF, and 123678-H6CDF were also greater in these Tradesmen than in the Worker Referents. The Worker Referent group had higher levels of dioxins and furans than the Community Referents indicating the potential for exposure outside the chlorophenol departments at the site. Distinct patterns of dioxin congeners were found many years after exposure among workers with different chlorophenol exposures. Furthermore, past trichlorophenol exposures were readily distinguishable from past pentachlorophenol exposures based on serum dioxin evaluations among workers. These data can be used to better assess dioxin exposures in future health studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

  • Purchase on Springer Link
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beck H., Eckart K., et al. Levels of PCDDs and PCDFs in adipose tissue of occupationally exposed workers. Chemosphere 1989: 18 (1–6): 507–516.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bodner K.M., Collins J.J., et al. Cancer risk for chemical workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Occup Environ Med 2003: 60: 672–675.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bond G.G., McLaren E.A., et al. Incidence of chloracne among chemical workers potentially exposed to chlorinated dioxins. J Occup Med 1989: 31 (9): 771–774.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bond G.G., Ott M.G., et al. Medical and morbidity surveillance findings among employees potentially exposed to TCDD. Br J Ind Med 1983: 40 (3): 318–324.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Coenraads P.J., Olie K., et al. Blood lipid concentrations of dioxin and dibenzofurans causing chloracne. Br J Dermatol 1999: 141: 694–697.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Collins J.J., Budinsky R.A., et al. Serum dioxin levels in former chlorophenol workers. J Exp Anal Environ Epi 2006: 16: 76–84.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Donato F., Magoni M., et al. Expousre to polychlorinated biphenyls in residents near a chemical factory in Italy: the food chain as main source of contamination. Chemosphere 2006: 64: 1562–1572.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferriby L.L, Kuntsen J.S., et al. Evaluation of PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB serum concentration data from the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of the United States population. J Exposure Sci Environ Epidemiol 2006 doi:10.1038/sj.jes.7500498.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flesch-Janys D., Becher H., et al. Elimination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in occupationally exposed persons. J Toxicol Environ Health 1996: 47: 363–378.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flesch-Janys D., Berger J., et al. Exposure to polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) and mortality in a cohort of workers from a herbicide-producing plant in Hamburg, Federal Republic of Germany. Am J Epidemiol 1995: 142 (11): 1165–1175.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hagenmaier H., and Brunner H. Isomerspecific analysis of pentachlorophenol and sodium petnachlorophenate for 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD and PCDF at sub-ppb levels. Chemosphere 1987: 16: 1759–1764.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hansson M., Barregard L., et al. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran levels and patterns in polyvinylchloride and chloralkali industry workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1997: 70 (1): 51–56.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heederik D., Hooiveld M., et al. Modelling of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin levels in a cohort of workers with exposure to phenoxy herbicides and chlorophenols. Chemosphere 1998: 37 (9–12): 1743–1745.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hooiveld M., Heederick D., et al. Second follow-up of a Dutch cohort occupationally exposed to phenoxy herbicides, chlorophenols, and contaminants. Am J Epidemiol 1998: 147 (9): 891–901.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hornung R.W., and Reed L.D. Estimation of average concentration in the presence of nondetectable values. Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1990: 5: 46–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Iida T., Hirakawa H., et al. Recent trend of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and their related compounds in the blood and serum of Yusho and Yu-Cheng patients. Chemosphere 1999: 38 (5): 981–993.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Littorin M., Hansson M., et al. Dioxins in blood from Swedish phenoxy herbicide workers. Lancet 1994: 344: 611–612.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luotamo M, Patterson DG, et al. Concentrations of PCDDs PCDFs, PCBs in sera from workers with past present exposure. Organohalogen Compounds 1993: 13: 9–12.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Masunaga S., Takasuga T., et al. Dioxin and dioxin-like PCB impurities in some Japanese agrochemical formulations. Chemosphere 2001: 44: 873–885.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Needham L.L., Barr D.B., et al. Concentrations of environmental chemicals associated with neurodevelopmental effects in U.S. Population. Neuro Toxicol 2005: 26: 531–545.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neuberger M., Landvoigt W., et al. Blood levels of TCDD in chemical workers after chloracne and in comparison groups. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1991: 63: 325–327.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nygren M., Hansson M., et al. Development and validation of a method for determination of PCDDs and PCDFs in human plasma: a multivariate comparison of blood and adipose tissue levels between Viet Nam veterans and mathched controls. Chemosphere 1988: 17 (9): 1663–1692.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orloff K.G., Hewitt D., et al. Dioxin exposure in a residential community. J Expo Anal Environ Epidemiol 2001: 11: 352–358.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ott M.G., Messerer P., et al. Assessment of past occupational exposure to TCDD using blood lipid analyses. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1993: 65 (1): 1–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ott M.G., Olsen R.A., et al. Cohort mortality study of chemical workers with potential exposure to the higher chlorinated dioxins. J Occup Med 1987: 29 (5): 422–429.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Papke O., Ball M., et al. Various PCDD/PCDF patterns in human blood resulting from different occupational exposures. Chemosphere 1992: 25 (7–10): 1101–1108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson D.G., Canady R., et al. Age-specific dioxin TEQ reference range. Organohalogen Compounds 2004: 66: 2878–2883.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson D.J., Turner W., et al. Total TEQ reference range (PCDDs, PCDFs, cPCBs, mono-PCBs) for the U.S. population 2001–2002. Organohalogen Compounds 2005: 67: 1577–1581.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips D.L., Pirkle J.L., et al. Chlorinated hydrocarbon levels in human serum: effects of fasting and feeding. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1989: 18: 495–500.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Piacitelli L.A., Haring Sweeney M., et al. Serum levels of PCDDs and PCDFs among workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-TCDD contaminated chemicals. Chemosphere 1992: 25: 251–254.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rappe C., Gara A., et al. Identification of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in commercial chlorophenol formulations. Chemosphere 1978: 21: 981–991.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan J.J., Lizotte R., et al. Human tissue levels of PCDDs and PCDFs from a fatal pentachlorophenol poisoning. Chemosphere 1987: 16 (8/9): 1989–1996.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan J.J., and Schecter A. Exposure to Russian phenoxy herbicide producers to dioxins. J Occup Environ Med 2000: 42: 861–870.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SAS Institute Inc. SAS System for Windows: release 8.0. SAS Institute, Cary, NC 27513, 1999.

  • Schecter A., Jiang K., et al. Comparison of dibenzodioxin levels in blood and milk in agricultural workers and other following pentachlorophenol exposure in China. Chemosphere 1994: 29 (9–11): 2371–2380.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schecter A.J., Li L., et al. Pesticides application and increased dioxin body burden in male and female agriculture workers in China. J Occup Environ Med 1996: 38: 906–911.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith A.H., Patterson D.G., et al. Serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin levels of New Zealand pesticide applicators and their implication for cancer hypotheses. J Natl Cancer Inst 1992: 84: 104–108.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Svensson B.G., Barregard L., et al. Exposure to polychlorinated dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) from graphite electrodes in a chloralkali plant. Chemosphere 1993: 27 (1–3): 259–262.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tondeur Y., and Beckert W.F. Method 8290: analytic procedures and qualtiy assurance for multimedia analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenbenzofurans by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. USEP Agency 1994, Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory: Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Townsend J.C., Bodner K.M., et al. Survey of reproductive events of wives of employees exposed to chlorinated dioxins. Am J Epidemiol 1982: 115 (5): 695–713.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg M., Birnbaum L., et al. Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for PCBs, PCDDs, PCDFs for humans and wildlife. Environ Health Perspect 1998: 106: 775–792.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg M., Birnbaum L.S., et al. The 2005 World Health Organization re-evaluation of human and mammalian toxic equivalency factors for dixoins and dioxin-like compounds. Toxicol Sci 2006: 93: 223–241.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wittsiepe J., Schrey P., et al. Decrease in PCDD/F levels in human blood from Germany over the past ten years (1989–1998). Chemosphere 2000: 40: 1103–1109.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe W.H., Michalek J.E., et al. Determinants of TCDD half-life in veterans of operation ranch hand. J Toxicol Environ Health 1994: 41: 481–488.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by The Dow Chemical Company. We thank members of the Dow Chemical's Health Services staff including Melody Raab, Sandy Murray, and Lisa Pressnell for arranging the appointments, and drawing and separating the blood, members of the Dow Chemical's Toxicology Environmental Research Center including Kathy Brzak and Melissa Mielke for storing, packing, and shipping the sera, Tim Bell of Dow Chemical's Toxicology Environmental Research Center for conducting laboratory audits and assuring study quality, and members of the Epidemiology Group including Brenda Jammer, Jamye Haring, and Erica Campbell for statistical sampling, data input, and mailings. This study conduct was pursuant to review and oversight by the Dow Human Subjects Review Board in Midland, Michigan, USA.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA

    James J Collins, Kenneth M Bodner, Michael Wilken, Salma Haidar, Carol J Burns, Robert A Budinsky, Greg D Martin, Michael L Carson & J Craig Rowlands

Authors
  1. James J Collins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kenneth M Bodner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael Wilken
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Salma Haidar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Carol J Burns
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Robert A Budinsky
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Greg D Martin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Michael L Carson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. J Craig Rowlands
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to James J Collins.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Collins, J., Bodner, K., Wilken, M. et al. Serum concentrations of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans among former Michigan trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol workers. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 17, 541–548 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jes.7500558

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jes.7500558

Keywords

This article is cited by

Search

Advanced search

Quick links