PCDDS, PCDFS, AND RELATED CONTAMINANTS IN THE GERMAN FOOD-SUPPLY

More than 1500 samples of human milk were analysed for PCDD and PCDF in Germany showing a range of 6 - 87 pg I-TEq/g milk fat. on the basis of these concentrations, an average daily intake of 15 pg 2,3,7,8-TCDD/kg BW/d and 147 pg I-TEq/kg BW/d was calculated for breast-fed infants. On the basis of several hundred analyses, average PCDD/PCDF levels in German foods were determined. Food of animal origin contributed most to the body burden of humans, whereas PCDD/PCDF in fruit and vegetables usually were of minor importance. For adult persons an average daily intake of 0.3 pg 2,3,7,8-TCDD/kg BW/d and 2 pg I-TEq/kg BW/d was derived on the basis of data on PCDD/PCDF concentrations in German food. Three groups of foods - namely dairy products, meat and fish - accounted for approximately 30 % each of the body burden. Sources other than food (soil, air, cigarettes and paper coming into contact with food) were of minor importance and accounted for less than 10 % as referred to the daily intake from food. Due to the lifelong intake, PCDD/PCDF levels in humans increase continously with age.