[Blood PCDD/F levels in blood of residents of a former cable incineration facility].

Increased levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofuranes (PCDF) were found in soil and roof dust of a residential area located near a metal reclamation plant in Northern Germany. In order to assess the degree of exposure of persons residing near to this plant, venous blood samples were collected from 14 subjects and analysed for PCDD/F and fat content. Furthermore, blood samples collected from the members of a farmer's family living nearby were analysed for PCDD/F. Previous studies had shown significantly increased PCDD/F levels in chicken eggs produced on this farm. Regarding the group of residents, the PCCD/F levels in blood fat were not increased when compared to background levels. However, some members of the farmer's family had increased PCDD/F levels in blood fat. The findings of these studies suggest that long-term consumption of contaminated animal products, especially chicken eggs, may result in increased PCDD/F levels in the body, whereas increased levels of PCDD/F in dust and soil do not noticeably affect the PCDD/F levels in human blood fat.