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. 2023 Apr;30(16):47012-47024.
doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25590-9. Epub 2023 Feb 3.

Determinants of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in the Italian population in the last decades

Anna Maria Ingelido  1 , Vittorio Abate  2 , Annalisa Abballe  2 , Stefania Paola De Filippis  2 , Elena Dellatte  2 , Silvia De Luca  2 , Fabiola Ferri  2 , Anna Rita Fulgenzi  2 , Nicola Iacovella  2 , Anna Laura Iamiceli  2 , Valentina Marra  2 , Roberto Miniero  2 , Silvia Valentini  2 , Elena De Felip  2
Affiliations

Determinants of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in the Italian population in the last decades

Anna Maria Ingelido et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial products extensively used in the past. Because of their widespread presence and toxic effects, the international community adopted control measures to reduce their release into the environment. Currently, PCB concentrations are decreasing, but humans are still exposed. In this paper, we reported the results of a study concerning PCB concentrations in human serum samples collected in Italy over two decades. The aim of the study was to investigate the trend of major determinants of PCB human exposure, several decades after the end of their production. PCB concentrations ranged over three orders of magnitude (from 0.4 to 958 ng/g lipid), with a median value of 85 ng/g lipid. We identified age, sampling year, body mass index, sex, and living near hot spots or being occupationally exposed as relevant factors in determining body burden. Our results can give indications to refine regulatory policies on PCBs in Italy, with particular attention to the disposal of residue PCB-containing products. To improve control measures can further decrease the exposure of citizens to PCBs, limit health implications, and improve citizens' perception about chemical risk management.

Keywords: Determinants of exposure; Hot spots; Human biomonitoring; Italy; PCBs; Serum concentrations; Time trend.

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