Project TOCOEN. The fate of selected organic pollutants in the environment

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Abstract
Samples of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues were analysed to obtain preliminary information on the level of general population exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Three different regions—cities and their neighbouring districts—were chosen for comparison of the levels of contamination in Slovakia: Bratislava, Trenčin and Martin. Samples were obtained by autopsy. Highest concentrations were found in patients from the relatively densely population region with heavy chemical industry (Bratislava; males 0.7–10.4 mg.kg‐1 on lipid basis, females 0.6–7.7). Lower concentrations were found in the smaller towns and zones with different type of industry (engineering): Trenčin— males 2.1–5.5, females 0.4–6.1 and Martin—males 0.4–4.7, females 0.4–4.8. The daily PCB intake in the general population of Slovakia was calculated from the obtained and published data1,2. This intake was found to be between 0.2 and 4.0 μg.kg‐1.day‐1.