DIOXIN, DIBENZOFURAN, AND PCB, INCLUDING COPLANAR PCB LEVELS IN THE BLOOD OF VIETNAM VETERANS IN THE MICHIGAN AGENT ORANGE STUDY

We report, for the first time, blood levels of PCB congeners, including coplanar PCBs, and dioxins in American Vietnam veterans and the general population and compare these levels with dioxin levels in Vietnamese residents and Ranch Hand Air Force sprayers, also exposed to Agent Orange. Elevated 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels from Agent Orange are found in all three groups. Coplanar PCBs, from the veterans and controls, contribute 9%-37% of total PCB and dioxin TEQs. If all dioxin-like chemicals are not measured, health studies may have deficiencies with respect to exposure estimates, even if TCDD is reported.