Exposure to dioxins and dibenzofurans through the consumption of fish

Article Abstract:

The fate of toxic chemicals released into the environment and the consequences for health are of great concern. Among the most toxic of all synthetic chemicals are polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). These two classes of chemicals have already been found in several species of fish. Since these chemicals are more soluble in oil, they are found in the fatty tissues of fish, and are present in larger amounts in fishes with more fatty tissue, such as herring and salmon. Since these poisons are already known to occur in fish in the Baltic Seas, many are concerned about whether these same substances are accumulating in the bodies of people who eat fish taken from the Baltic region. A study was undertaken in Sweden to determine if the presence of PCDDs and PCDFs in human tissues were correlated with the consumption of fish from the Baltic Sea. A total of 29 men were studied. Of these, nine never ate fish, and nine ate fish about once a week, which is average in Sweden. The remaining 11 men were fishermen and fish industry workers and consumed large quantities of fish. Blood samples of the subjects were analyzed for the quantities of normal fatty acids and for the presence of many different organochlorine compounds from the PCDD and PCDF classes. The results demonstrate a clear difference among the three levels of fish intake, although the differences varied depending upon the individual chemical compound considered. The differences were particularly striking for the substance 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran. While the subjects who consumed more fish had more of these toxic compounds in their bodies, the potential for health problems is not certain. Since eating fish is generally thought to confer some health benefits, it is not even clear if the presence of these toxic compounds in the fish is sufficient to warrant a reduction in fish consumption. The results of the study do indicate, however, that PCDFs and PCDDs persist in the environment and find their way into human tissues, underscoring the importance of identifying the sources of these pollutants and trying to limit exposure as much as possible. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Fish as food, Fish (Food product), Dibenzofurans, Marine pollution

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Xenoestrogens and breast cancer

Article Abstract:

There is little evidence that exposure to organochlorine compounds often used as pesticides increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. These compounds include DDT and its derivative DDE as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A 1993 study found an increased risk of breast cancer in women exposed to DDE and PCBs and these results were widely reported in the media. However, several studies have failed to confirm the link, including one published in 1997. These chemicals are not as active as estrogen and the human diet contains many stronger estrogen-like chemicals. DDT has been banned for 20 years and blood levels are likely to be low.

Editorial, Risk factors, Breast cancer, DDT (Insecticide), DDT

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Intellectual impairment in children exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls in utero

Article Abstract:

Children who are exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls in the uterus may have mild intellectual deficits as they grow up. Researchers followed 212 children who were born in 1980-1981 for 11 years. Their mothers had been selected because they had eaten fish from Lake Michigan during their pregnancy. Fish are a major source of polychlorinated biphenyls, which are one of the most common pollutants. Children exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls had lower IQ scores and problems with reading, memory and attention.

Psychological aspects, Causes of, Children, Cognition disorders, Cognitive disorders

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