Serum levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochorinated pesticides (OCPs) among individuals of general population in three Italian geographic regions

Purpose Despite extensive use of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) such as DDT in Italy in the 40’s to 60’s to control malaria vectors and of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in industry and energy production, limited information is available on current exposure among the general population of Italy. This study aims at measuring levels of some OCPs and PCBs in subjects of three different towns (Novafeltria, Pavia and Milano) with the final objective of relating exposure to these endocrine-disrupting agents to the occurrence of diseases such as breast cancer. Methods Blood samples were collected from 370 consenting subjects (163 in Novafeltria, 166 in Pavia, 41 in Milano). 36 PCBs and 8 OCPs were measured in blood serum by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis aimed at highlighting differences in POPs levels with respects to residence, age, gender and body mass index. Results PCBs 138, 153 and 180 were the most frequently detected. Levels of total PCBs (in picomoles/g of circulating lipids) and dioxin-like PCBs were significantly different among the study sites (Novafeltria<Pavia<Milano; p<0.0001) and between males and females of Pavia and Novafeltria (females>males; p<0.0001). In the subjects from Novafeltria and Pavia, total PCBs and some abundant congeners showed a strong positive correlation with age, which points at life-long accumulation. Among OCPs, p,p’-DDE and HCB were the most abundant. A significant difference in HCB, p, p’-DDE and p,p’-DDD levels was observed among the residents from the study sites. Females in Milan have significantly higher mean concentration than males (p=0.0491).