Abstract
Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous toxic compounds in the environment that may have adverse effects on the neurodevelopment of infants. We examined if women living in an industrialized area had higher dioxin or PCB levels compared to women 1iving in a semi-urban area. Pregnant women were recruited in Rotterdam city and in surrounding, highly industrialized areas in the western part of the Netherlands, and in Groningen, a semi-urban area in the north. PCB levels were investigated in plasma. In human milk, PCB as well as dioxin levels were measured.
We conclude that infants born in the western industrialized area of the Netherlands are exposed to higher levels of dioxins and PCBs in utero and during breast-feeding, compared to infants born in a semiurban area in the north. Although diet is estimated as the main source of exposure, inhaling and dermal absorption might be additional routes of dioxin and PCB exposure.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Koopman-Esseboom, C., Huisman, M., Weisglas-Kuperus, N. et al. 114 DIOXIN AND POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL LEVELS IN PLASMA AND HUMAN MILK OF WOMEN IN RELATION TO THEIR LIVING AREA IN THE – NETHERLANDS. Pediatr Res 36, 21 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00114
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00114