Occurrence, variability and human exposure to Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in dairy products from Chile during the 2011-2013 survey

Safety Evaluation and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Cow Milk Produced in Northern Italy According to Dioxins and PCBs Contamination Levels

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018-2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively.

Human health risk surveillance of polychlorinated biphenyls in bovine milk from alluvial plain of Punjab, Pakistan

Punjab is the leading province of Pakistan in the production of bovine milk and its consumption. Rapid industrialization, high energy demand, and the production of waste have increased the risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) toxicity in the environment. This research work was designed to assess human dietary exposure of ∑PCBs17 congeners through ingestion of buffalo and cow's milk from eight main districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The average concentrations of ∑DL-PCBs (8.74 ng g^-1 and 14.60 ng g^-1) and ∑I-PCBs (11.54 ng g^-1 and 18.68 ng g^-1) in buffalo and cow milk samples were analyzed, respectively. The PCB-156 was predominantly high congener found in both buffalo (2.84 ng g^-1) and cow milk (2.86 ng g^-1). It was found that the highest PCBs in bovine milk samples were observed in close vicinities of urban and industrial areas. The estimated daily consumptions of DL-PCBs and I-PCBs, from buffalo and cow milk, were below the acceptable daily intake for both adults and children. Moreover, hazard quotients (HQ) of the ∑PCBs17 congener value were less than 1.0 in adults and greater in the case of children reflecting the high chances of cancer. Furthermore, comprehensive monitoring for childhood cancer is recommended to establish the relationship in future studies.

The influence of different production systems on dioxin and PCB levels in chicken eggs from Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions (Italy) over 2017-2019 and consequent dietary exposure assessment

Hen eggs from farms with different production systems (organic, free range, barn, and in cage) sited in two regions of Italy (Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy) were collected from 2017 to 2019 to monitor the levels of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and the 6 non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl indicators (ndl-PCBs). Average concentrations of PCDD/Fs (0.21 pg WHO₍₂₀₀₅₎-TEQ/g fat), PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs (0.43 pg WHO₍₂₀₀₅₎-TEQ/g fat) and ndl-PCBs (6.41 ng/g fat) were below the maximum limits established at European level in eggs, but significantly higher amounts of PCDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs were found in eggs from free-range housing system compared to barn, cage, and organic ones. The potential dietary intake of the monitored contaminants by Italian population age groups through the consumption of locally produced eggs was also evaluated. Exposure levels to PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2 pg WHO₍₂₀₀₅₎-TEQ/kg bw/week recently set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, the younger population was found to be more vulnerable than other age groups to exposure to these contaminants. Specifically, the preferential consumption of free-range eggs by infants, toddlers, and children contributed more than 30% to the TWI. The results confirm the need to continuously monitor the levels of chemical contaminants in the environment and provide a reminder of the importance of targeted intervention measures aimed to reduce their occurrence in food and feed, firstly by improving the management practices on egg-producing farms.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in food and human dietary intake: An update of the scientific literature

It is well established that for non-occupationally exposed populations, dietary intake is, by far, the main way of human exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (PCDD/Fs), a family of environmental POPs with a well-known potential toxicity -including carcinogenicity-in humans. We here summarize the results of recent studies (2010-2021) (databases: Scopus and PubMed), focused on determining the levels of PCDD/Fs in food samples of different origins, as well as the dietary intake of these pollutants. We have revised studies conducted in various Asian, American and European countries. However, information is rather limited, with no recent data for most countries over the world. Due to the enormous differences in the methodologies of the studies, to conduct a detailed comparison of the results for the different regions and countries has not been possible. Notwithstanding, where data over time are available, important reductions have been observed. These reductions have been linked to the decreases in the environmental emissions of PCDD/Fs noted in recent years. Interestingly, reductions in the levels of PCDD/Fs in biological tissues are also occurring in parallel. In general, the tolerable daily/weekly/monthly dietary intakes of PCDD/Fs are not being currently exceeded where data are available.

Accumulation characteristics and estimated dietary intakes of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in plant-origin foodstuffs from Chinese markets

The levels and accumulation characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in nine pools of representative plant-origin foodstuffs randomly collected from markets located in five regions of the Chinese mainland during 2018-2019. The collected foodstuffs consisted of cereals, beans, potatoes, leafy vegetables, root and stem vegetables, melon vegetables, legume vegetables, edible fungi, and mixed vegetable oil. In the fresh plant food pools, the concentrations of toxic equivalency (WHO-TEQ) were in the ranges of 0.9-14.5 pg/kg in upperbound (UB) scenario and 0.002-7.3 pg/kg in lowerbound (LB) scenario on a fresh weight basis; and TriCDFs and TeCBs were the predominant PCDD/F and PCB homologues, respectively. In the mixed vegetable oil, the WHO-TEQ concentrations were 129.4 pg/kg and 103.6 pg/kg on a lipid weight basis in UB and LB scenarios, respectively; and high-chlorinated PCDD/F and PCB homologues were much more abundant. The estimated plant food-borne dietary intakes of WHO-TEQ by a standard adult in the five surveyed regions were in the ranges of 3.39-4.20 and 1.57-2.13 pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight/month in UB and LB scenarios, respectively. Among all surveyed regions, consumption of cereals and vegetable oil made up the primary contributions to the estimated dietary intakes of WHO-TEQ. TriCDFs accounted for 41.1-83.9% of the PCDD/Fs dietary intakes via consumption of plant foods, and TeCBs made up 61.2-73.0% of the PCBs dietary intakes via consumption of plant foods, suggesting that the potential toxic effects of TriCDFs and TeCBs on human health should be concerned.

Environmental status of an Italian site highly polluted by illegal dumping of industrial wastes: The situation 15 years after the judicial intervention

In 2008 the Italian government classified the Bussi sul Tirino area (Central Italy) as Site of National Interest destined to remediation which, unfortunately, has not yet begun. The decision followed >20 years of illegal dumping of industrial wastes, lasting from 1984 to 2005, that generated the biggest illegal toxic waste disposal site in Europe. The contamination profile of the site was mainly characterized by PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PAHs, chlorinated solvents, Hg, and Pb. Due to the health concern of the population and local authorities, an extensive monitoring and biomonitoring campaign was carried out in 2017-2018, checking the site-specific pollutants in local food (free-range hens' eggs, milk from grazing sheep and goats, wild edible mushrooms, and drinking water), environmental (air and freshwaters) and biological (human urine) matrices. A total of 314 samples were processed, obtaining 3217 analytical data that were compared with regulatory limits, when available, and values reported by international literature. The sum PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs ranged from 0.24 to 3.6 pg TEQ g^-1 fat, and from 0.46 to 8.3 pg TEQ g^-1 fat, respectively in milk in eggs, in line with the maximum levels established by CE Regulations except for an egg sample. As regards PAHs, all our results were lower than the literature data, as well as for Hg and Pb. Outdoor air showed levels of chlorinated solvents ranging from <LOD to 36 μg m^-3, and freshwaters from 0.21 to 2.8 μg L^-1. All drinking water samples resulted compliant with the maximum levels established by the current EU directive. Despite the severe pollution of the illegal dumping site and the remediation not yet carried out, the local environment and the population living in Bussi and surroundings seem not to be affected by significant exposure to the toxics characterizing the landfill.

Polychlorinated biphenyl and polybrominated diphenyl ether profiles in serum from cattle, sheep, and goats across California

It has been previously been shown by our lab and others that persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are contaminants in milk produced for human consumption. To further this research we determined the concentration of 21 PCB and 14 PBDE congeners in livestock serum, mainly bovine, across California. Congeners were extracted from serum using solid phase extraction (SPE), cleaned up by silica cartridge and quantified using gas chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectrometry. We detected significant differences among species and the production class of cattle (beef or dairy). The sum of all 21 PCB congeners (ΣPCBs) in caprine and ovine sera had a mean value of 9.26 and 9.13 ng/mL, respectively, compared to 3.98 ng/mL in bovine sera. The mean value for the sum of all 14 PBDE congeners (ΣPBDEs) in caprine and ovine sera was 2.82 and 2.39 ng/mL, respectively, compared to 0.91 ng/mL in bovine sera. Mean ΣPCBs in dairy cattle was 5.92 ng/mL compared to 2.70 ng/mL in beef cattle. Mean ΣPBDEs in dairy cattle was 1.33 ng/mL compared to 0.70 ng/mL in beef cattle. There were no regional differences in the ΣPCBs or ΣPBDEs in cattle distributed across California. These results highlight the fact that livestock are still being exposed to these pollutants yet little is known about where this exposure may be coming from.

Interaction of mammary bovine ABCG2 with AFB1 and its metabolites and regulation by PCB 126 in a MDCKII in vitro model

The ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter ABCG2 plays a key role in the mammary excretion of drugs and toxins in humans and animals. Aflatoxins (AF) are worldwide contaminants of food and feed commodities, while PCB 126 is a dioxin-like PCB which may contaminate milk and dairy products. Both compounds are known human carcinogens. The interactions between AF and bovine ABCG2 (bABCG2) as well as the effects of PCB 126 on its efflux activity have been investigated by means of the Hoechst H33342 transport assay in MDCKII cells stably expressing mammary bABCG2. Both AFB1 and its main milk metabolite AFM1 showed interaction with bABCG2 even at concentrations approaching the legal limits in feed and food commodities. Moreover, PCB 126 significantly enhanced bABCG2 functional activity. Specific inhibitors of either AhR (CH233191) or ABCG2 (Ko143) were able to reverse the PCB 126-induced increase in bABCG2 transport activity, showing the specific upregulation of the efflux protein by the AhR pathway. The incubation of PCB 126-pretreated cells with AFM1 was able to substantially reverse such effect, with still unknown mechanism(s). Overall, results from this study point to AFB1 and AFM1 as likely bABCG2 substrates. The PCB 126-dependent increased activity of the transporter could enhance the ABCG2-mediated excretion into dairy milk of chemicals (i.e., drugs and toxins) potentially harmful to neonates and consumers.

Patterns and dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in food products in China

The health risk of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) to human being should be assessed regularly. To evaluate the contamination levels in various food products in the Chinese market and to assess the dietary exposure of the Chinese population, 11 varieties of food groups totaling 634 samples including beef and mutton, chicken and duck, pork, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products were evaluated. The average concentrations of PCDD/Fs in all groups ranged from 0.291 to 8.468pg/g whole weight (w.w.). The average toxic equivalency concentrations were from 0.012pg TEQ/g w.w. for cereal to 0.367pg TEQ/g fat for marine oil. OCDD and 2,3,7,8-TCDF were the dominant congeners in foodstuffs. The dietary estimated mean intake for the Chinese rural and urban populations were 0.656 and 0.514pg TEQ/kg body weight/day, respectively, however, the cereal group exposure were higher to the estimate daily intake and contributed 81% for rural and 48% for urban population, followed by fish and seafood which contributed 4% and 16% to the estimate daily intake. The estimated dietary intakes were compared with the toxicological reference values and showed that both rural and urban populations were well below those values.

A four-year survey in the farming region of Chile, occurrence and human exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and dioxin -like polychlorinated biphenyls in different raw meats

For the first time in South America, a four-year survey (2011-2014) was conducted to assess the occurrence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in different raw meats (bovine, pork, ovine, chicken, and turkey) sampled from ten of the fifteen regions of Chile. When expressed as pg World Health Organization Toxic Equivalent (WHO-TEQ₂₀₀₅)g^-1 fat, the highest PCDD/F values for each species were 0.54 (bovine-2012), 0.27 (pork-2013), 0.23 (ovine-2011), 0.61 (chickens-2013), and 0.34 (turkey-2012). The highest mean dl-PCBs levels were 0.18 (bovine-2011), 0.05 (pork-2014), 0.13 (ovine-2011), 0.1 (chicken-2014), and 0.21 (turkey-2013). Penta- and tetra-chlorinated congeners dominated PCDD/F WHO-TEQ₂₀₀₅ profiles during the survey, while PCB 126 dominated dl-PCBs profiles. Statistically significant interspecies differences were found. Dietary intake was also estimated, and the highest total PCDD/F and dl-PCBs values, found in poultry meat, were 0.09pgWHO-TEQ₂₀₀₅kg^-1bwd^-1 (2013) for adults and 0.36pgWHO-TEQ₂₀₀₅kg^-1bwd^-1 (2013) for children. The concentrations and dietary intakes for the studied compounds in raw meat were below international and national maximum permitted limits.

Determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in Brazilian cow milk

The determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in raw cow milks have never been reported in Brazil. Since the consumption of food of animal origin, including milk and dairy products, is the major source of human exposure to these compounds, this study aimed to establish the levels and profile of seven PCDDs and ten PCDFs in raw cow milk samples collected in eight Brazilian states which among the major milk producer states. Raw milk samples were collected in 34 different dairy cattle farms during the summer of 2013. All PCDD/Fs congeners were found at least in some of the 34 samples studied. The octa-chlorinated congeners (OCDD and OCDF) were ubiquitous and also present in high concentrations. The mean values of WHO-TEQ_1998;2005 were respectively 1.66 and 1.36pgTEQg^-1 fat and samples taken in São Paulo showed the highest WHO-TEQ values (2.46 TEQ₁₉₉₈g^-1 fat and 2.10pgTEQ₂₀₀₅g^-1 fat). Although all samples showed some contamination level, all values were below the limit established by European Union for total PCDD/Fs in cow milk (3pgWHO-TEQ₁₉₉₈g^-1 fat). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that OCDD and OCDF were responsible for 73% and 20% of the total data variance, respectively and they presented an independent behavior, probably as a result of distinct origins. The use of TEQ as weights in the PCA, revealed the importance of the penta-chloro congeners and it was possible to identify sample distribution patterns probably associated with the main PeCDD and PeCDF. The importance of local sources to PCDD/Fs concentrations is still to be evaluated and determined.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like PCBs in commercialized food products from Colombia

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are commonly known as dioxins and are the most toxic members of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) because present a variety of health effects especially as promoting agent of growing and transformation of cancer cells. They are bio-accumulate in humans primarily via the diet, specifically by ingestion of foods that have high lipid content which are generally associated with foods of animal origin such as oils and fats and with fishery and dairy products. In Colombia the Ministry of Health and Social Protection which is the entity responsible for surveillance food conditions, has established maximum levels for dioxins and dl-PCBs in oils from animal and vegetable origins. Oils of vegetable and animal origin represent an appreciable intake in the country thus the presence of dioxins and dl-PCBs in these materials is a matter of concern because they can bioaccumulate in fat. In this contribution the levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in olive, soybean, fish oil, butter and shrimp consumed in Colombia were determined using HRGC-HRMS and were compared with the maximum levels permitted in oil samples according to both the Colombian and European regulations. WHO-TEQ concentrations for PCDD/Fs and dioxin like PCBs ranged from 0.24 to 1.710pgWHO-TEQ PCDD/Fg(-1) of fat and from 0.050 to 3.000pgWHO-TEQ PCBg(-1) of fat, respectively. As expected, fish oils and shrimp present the highest WHO-TEQ PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs values followed by butter and soybean oil sample, while the olive oil shows the lowest levels. In general, the vegetable oils show levels below the limits established by both the Colombian and European regulations. The levels from soybean oil found in this study were slightly higher than the threshold established both by the Commission Regulation European Union (EU) and the Colombian legislation, while fish oils showed concentrations above the European regulations. Furthermore, shrimp exhibited values below the maximum concentration levels established by the EU and Colombian regulation.

PCBs in fish and their cestode parasites in Lake Victoria

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention (2001). Although their production and use was stopped almost three decades ago, PCBs are environmental persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulate in biota. We assessed the levels of 7 PCB congeners (IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) in sediment and fish (Oreochromis niloticus, Lates niloticus, and Rastrineobola argentea) and evaluated the potential of cestode fish endoparasite (Monobothrioides sp., Proteocephalaus sp., and Ligula intestinalis) as biomonitors of PCBs in Lake Victoria, Kenya. The median concentration of Σ7PCBs in sediments and fish were 2.2-96.3 μg/kg dw and 300-3,000 μg/kg lw, respectively. At all the sampling sites, CB138, CB153, and CB180 were the dominant PCB congeners in sediment and fish samples. Compared to the muscle of the piscine host, Proteocephalaus sp. (infecting L. niloticus) biomagnified PCBs ×6-14 while Monobothrioides sp. (infecting O. niloticus) biomagnified PCBs ×4-8. Meanwhile, L. intestinalis (infecting R. argentea) biomagnified PCBs ×8-16 compared to the muscle of unparasitized fish. We demonstrate the occurrence of moderate to high levels of PCB in sediments and fish in Lake Victoria. We also provide evidence that fish parasites bioaccumulate higher levels of PCBs than their piscine hosts and therefore provide a promising biomonitor of PCBs. We urge further a long-term study to validate the use of the above cestode fish parasites as biomonitoring tools for PCBs.

Temporal trend of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran and dioxin like-polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in food from Taiwan markets during 2004-2012

The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in foodstuffs have decreased over the past decade in many countries. However, the trend for the levels of these compounds in foodstuffs in Taiwan remains unknown. In this study, we compared the distribution of PCDD/F and PCB in nine foodstuff categories acquired from Taiwan markets from 2004 to 2012. The levels expressed as World Health Organization toxic equivalents (WHO-TEQs) in the different foodstuffs tested were as follows: fish, average 0.463 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g sample > seafood, 0.163 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > eggs, 0.150 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > oils, 0.126 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > meats, 0.095 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > dairy products, 0.054 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > cereals, 0.017 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > vegetables, 0.013 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g > fruits, 0.009 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g. Levels were particularly high in crab (average: 0.6 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g sample (1.243 pg WHO₉₈-TEQ/g sample) and large marine fish (0.6). In Taiwan, a decreasing trend of PCDD/Fs or dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) was observed in meat, dairy, eggs, and vegetables, whereas an elevated trend was observed in cereals or the levels were nearly equal in fruits and oils at alternative time shift. Dl-PCBs contributed to 60–65% toxicity equivalence levels in fish and seafood, but only to 13–40% in meat and cereal samples. The decreasing trend was consistent with the results in other countries; however, the trends in cereals, fruits, and oils were in contrast to previous results reported in other countries. Cereals and fruits are important crops in southern Taiwan, and the local pollution generated by industries or incinerators may seriously affect the distribution of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. To ensure food safety, a risk assessment for residents living in different areas should be adopted for all food categories simultaneously in the future.

Estimated dietary intake and risk assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls from fish consumption in the Korean general population

We analyzed 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in samples from various fish species available at food markets in nine Korean cities. The estimated dietary intake of these chemicals was calculated from the raw concentrations of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in each sample and from the food consumption of the Korean general population, and a comparison was made with the provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI). The average daily dietary exposure and the 95th percentile of intake of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were 0.21 and 0.49 pg WHO05-toxic equivalents (TEQ) kg(-1) body weight d(-1) representing 5.27% and 12.26%, respectively, of the Korean tolerable daily intake (TDI). We applied the monthly fish consumption limits to the evaluation of improved risk assessment and concluded that unlimited consumption of most fish species does not contribute to the elevated cancer risk. This investigation was the first such large-scale study in Korea, and incorporated 37 species, including a species of whale, and 480 samples. The major aims of this study were to demonstrate the health risks associated with fish intake and to ensure food safety through total analysis of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs using gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS).

Human exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs through consumption of fish and seafood in Catalonia (Spain): Temporal trend

The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and 18 PCBs (DL- and NDL-) were analyzed in 16 fish and seafood species widely consumed in Catalonia (Spain). The exposure of these pollutants was subsequently estimated according to various groups of population. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs showed an important decrease in relation to the baseline study (2000) and our last survey (2008). Sardine and red mullet were the species showing the highest pollutant concentrations, while canned tuna and cuttlefish presented the lowest levels. Sardine was the main contributor to the exposure of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. In contrast, swordfish was the species with the lowest contribution to the exposure of PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and PCDD/Fs+DL-PCBs, while clam was the minor contributor for NDL-PCBs and total PCBs. For all groups of population, the current intakes of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were lower than the TDI (1-4 pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight/day), being children the group with the highest exposure. However, this exposure should not mean a health risk for this group of population. The current intake of PCDD/Fs and PCBs through fish and seafood consumption was similar or even lower than most values reported in recent studies all over the world.