Scientific journal

46 2007

Journal of Food and Nutrition Research
Summary No. 4 / 2007

ŠALGOVIČOVÁ, D.
Estimation of long-term dietary exposure of the inhabitants of Slovak Republic to polychlorinated biphenyls
Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 46, 2007, No. 4, s. 186-194

Danka Šalgovičová, VÚP Food Research Institute, Department of Risk Assessment and Food Composition Data Bank, Priemyselná 4, P. O. Box 25, SK - 824 75 Bratislava 26, Slovakia. Tel.: +421 2 50237225, e-mail: salgovicova@vup.sk

Summary: Long-term mean exposure of the inhabitants of Slovak Republic to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was estimated. Calculations were based on inspection and monitoring data of PCBs in animal foodstuffs (expressed as a sum of congeners PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180) and on individual food commodities consumption data between 1994 and 2005. The mean human exposure within the country represented approximately 0.04 µg.kg-1 to 0.10 µg.kg-1 of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) value (0.4 µg.kg-1 bw). Considering actual dietary habits and nutrition sources of ­polluted locality inhabitants (especially fresh-water fish and domestic animals), a higher dietary exposure was evident. This exceeded the TDI value by 100% on average and by 350% at about 5% of consumers. In addition, theoretical exposure data were calculated assuming that food intake was in full accordance with scientific recommendations. Also in that case, the mean theoretical exposure remained fairly low. Linking to actual nutrition sources in the ­polluted ­locality, the mean exposure would be much higher representing thus even ten multiple of the TDI value due to increased consumption of fish. The study demonstrates the need for arrangements for decontamination of the polluted area and disposal of PCB-contaminated foodstuffs to protect the consumers.

Keywords: food consumption; PCB intake; dietary recommendations

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