Plasma polychlorinated biphenyl levels in Dutch preschool children either breast-fed or formula-fed during infancy

Objectives. This study examined the influence of lactational and in utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on plasma PCB levels in children. Methods. Plasma PCB levels were measured in 173 children at 3.5 years, of whom 91 were breast-fed and 82 were formula-fed in infancy. Results. Median plasma PCB levels were 3.6 times higher in breast-fed children (0.75 mu g/L) than in their formula-fed peers (0.21 mu g/L). Breast-feeding period and breast-milk PCB levels were important predictors for PCB levels in the breast-fed group. For children in the formula-fed group, PCB levels were significantly related to their maternal plasma PCB levels. Conclusions. PCB levels in Dutch preschool children are related to transfer of maternal PCBs; therefore, strategies should be aimed at reducing maternal PCB body burden.