Semivolatile organic compounds in adipose tissue: Estimated averages for the US population and selected subpopulations

Objectives. The fiscal year (FY) 1986 Environmental Protection Agency National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS) was conducted to estimate average concentrations of 111 semivolatiles in human adipose tissue within the US general population and selected subpopulations. Methods. Population and subpopulation estimates of average Semivolatile concentrations were established from 671 adipose tissue specimens pooled across 50 analytical samples. Results. Among polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), average concentrations for the group aged 45 and older were from 188% to 706% higher than for the 0- through 14-year-old age group. Similar increases with age were observed for pesticides. Geographic effects on average concentration were mixed, and no significant race or sex effects were observed. Statistically significant increases from FY 1982 NHATS results were observed for PCBs and hexachlorobenzene, whereas a decrease from FY 1982 was significant for beta-BHC (benzene hexachloride). Increases from FY 1984 NHATS results were significant for p,p-DDT (dichlordiphenylethylene), p,p-DDE (dichlordiphenyldichlor), hexachlorobenzene, and PCBs. Conclusions. The survey establishes baseline average levels of semivolatile compounds in the adipose tissue of US residents.