Perfluoroalkyl substances in the meat of Polish farm animals and game - Occurrence, profiles and dietary intake.

Meat from farm animals (pigs, cattle and poultry) and game (wild boar and deer) was analysed in terms of thirteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Wild boar muscle tissue was statistically significantly more contaminated than muscle tissue from other animals, and the species order of the lower-bound (LB) sum of four (∑4) PFAS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) concentrations was wild boar > cattle > deer > pigs > poultry. None of the samples exceeded the maximum levels set by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915. Linear PFOS was the most frequently detected compound (in 21 % of all samples analysed and 100 % of wild boar samples), reaching its highest concentration of 1.87 µg/kg wet weight in wild boar. Dietary intake was estimated on the basis of the average per-serving consumption of pork, beef and poultry, and in the absence of such data for game, a 100 g portion was used for the calculation. Mean LB∑4 PFAS concentrations led to intakes between 0.000 and 1.75 ng/kg body weight (BW) for children and 0.000 and 0.91 ng/kg BW for adults. The potential risk to consumers was assessed in relation to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg BW established by the European Food Safety Authority in 2020. Exposure associated with the consumption of poultry, pork, beef and venison was negligible, being only <1 % of the TWI for children and adults; higher exposure was found to associate with the consumption of wild boar, being 63 % and 21 % of the TWI for children and adults, respectively. The findings of this research suggest that the intake of PFASs through the consumption of meat from Polish livestock and deer is unlikely to be a health concern. However, frequent consumption of wild boar meat could be a significant source of PFASs.

Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances in cow's, goat's and sheep's milk - dietary intake and risk assessment.

Introduction: Milk from cows, goats and sheep was analysed in terms of content of fourteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Material and Methods: Altogether, 73 milk samples from cows (n = 38), goats (n = 20) and sheep (n = 15) were collected from various regions of Poland. Concentrations of analytes were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The lower-bound sum of four PFAS (∑4 PFASs) concentrations (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) were highest in sheep's (0.0055 µg/kg), lower in goat's (0.0046 µg/kg), and lowest in cow's milk (0.0008 µg/kg). Goat's and sheep's milk was statistically significantly more contaminated than cow's milk. None of the samples exceeded the indicative values set by Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431, and even the maximum detected concentrations were an order of magnitude lower. The most frequently detected was linear PFOS, which was found in 33%, 76% and 93% of cow's, goat's and sheep's milk samples, respectively. Based on mean upper-bound ∑4 PFAS concentrations and average milk consumption, the estimated intake of ∑4 PFASs ranged from 0.153 to 0.266 ng/kg body weight (b.w.) for children and from 0.050 to 0.88 ng/kg b.w. for adults, which indicates that exposure is very low and is merely <7% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for children and <2% of the TWI for adults. Conclusion: Regardless of the milk type, the intake of PFASs via consumption of Polish milk does not contribute significantly to the overall PFAS intake of either adults or children.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in bivalve molluscs. Risk to Polish consumers?

Introduction: Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) were investigated in six species of bivalve mollusc purchased on the Polish retail market. The risk to consumers was calculated as a percentage of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) (2 pg World Health Organization toxic equivalent (WHO-TEQ) kg-1 body weight (b.w.)). Material and Methods: Altogether 32 samples were analysed using an isotope dilution technique with high resolution gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. Results: Low levels of all analysed compounds were found. The range of PCDD/Fs was 0.08-0.37 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 of wet weight (w.w.) and 0.04-0.41 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 w.w. for DL-PCBs. The highest concentrations of all analysed compounds were found in Pacific oysters, at 0.30 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 w.w. for the sum of PCDD/Fs and 0.19 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 for the sum of DL-PCBs. These concentrations were 2-4 times higher than those detected in the other analysed mollusc species. Different species-dependent congener profiles were observed for PCDD/F concentrations, while PCB congener concentration profiles were species independent. The risk to consumers was assessed relating theoretical intakes of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs per 25, 50 and 100 g of consumption of molluscs per week to the TWI. Conclusion: Taking into account the low consumption of molluscs in Poland and low concentrations of analysed compounds, neither adults nor children are likely to exceed the TWI by ingestion of food in this category.

Levels of caesium-137 in food of animal origin in Poland.

Introduction: Radioactive contamination of the environment is one of the greatest threats after a nuclear accident due to released radionuclides. From a radiotoxicological point of view, the most important radionuclide is caesium-137. Formed mainly during nuclear explosions, caesium-137 can persist in the soil for many years, from where it constantly enters the food chain. One of the elements of ensuring food safety is the monitoring of its radioactive contamination, mainly with radioactive caesium isotopes. The aim of the study was to determine the content of caesium-137 in food of animal origin. Material and Methods: A total of 1,416 muscle samples from cattle, sheep, pigs, game and fish, as well as chicken eggs and dairy products were examined using gamma-ray spectrometry. Results: Caesium-137 activities ranged from below the minimum detectable activity concentration (MDC) to over 4,000 Bq/kg wet weight (w.w.). Most often, the values did not exceed the MDC or were in a range below 100 Bq/kg. The exception was the muscle tissue of game animals, especially wild boar, where a significant activity of caesium-137 was recorded, the highest of which was 4,136.8 ± 238 Bq/kg w.w. Committed effective doses determined for each matrix ranged from 0.01 to 0.83 µSv/kg, with the highest value determined for wild boar. Conclusion: The calculated exposure doses with values well below the accepted low radiation dose (100 mSv) did not indicate any significant amounts of ionising radiation from the food consumed.

Feed as a source of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

One of the most important routes for human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is the ingestion of contaminated food. Food of animal origin safety is strongly related to feed quality. The aim of the study was the assessment of feeds and feed materials quality associated with ten PBDE congeners (BDE-28, 47, 49, 99, 100, 138, 153, 154, 183 and 209) contamination. The quality of 207 feed samples divided into eight categories (277/2012/EU) was checked using the gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). At least one congener was identified in 73% of the samples. All investigated fish oil, animal fat, and feed for fish were contaminated, and 80% of plant-origin feed samples were free of PBDEs. The highest median content of ∑10PBDE was found in fish oils (2260 ng kg-1) followed by fishmeal (530 ng kg-1). The lowest median was found in mineral feed additives, plant materials excluding vegetable oil and compound feed. BDE-209 was the most frequently detected congener (56%). All congeners except BDE-138 and BDE-183 were detected in 100% of the fish oil samples. Except for BDE-209, the congener detection frequencies did not exceed 20% in compound feed, feed of plant origin, and vegetable oils. Excluding BDE-209, similar congener profiles were found for fish oils, fishmeal and feed for fish, with BDE-47 in the highest concentration, followed by BDE-49 and BDE-100. Another pattern appeared in animal fat, with a higher median concentration of BDE-99 than BDE-47. Time-trend analysis of PBDE concentrations in fishmeal (n = 75) showed a 63% decrease in ∑10PBDE (p = 0.077) and a 50% decrease in the ∑9PBDE (p = 0.008) between 2017 and 2021. It proves the international legislation implemented to reduce PBDE environmental levels has been effective.

Perfluoroalkyl substances in Baltic fish - the risk to consumers.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in five Baltic fish species (sprat, herring, salmon, trout, and cod). Each species' median lower bound (LB) concentration of ∑14 PFASs was as follows: in sprat it was 3.54 µg/kg wet weight (w.w.), in cod 2.15 µg/kg w.w., in salmon 2.10 µg/kg w.w., in trout 2.03 µg/kg w.w. and in herring 1.74 µg/kg w.w.. Regarding the species' median LB of ∑4 PFASs (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)), sprat was the most contaminated with 2.90 µg/kg w.w. and herring was the least with 1.17 µg/kg w.w.. Among all PFASs, PFOS was found in the highest concentrations (range 0.04-9.16 µg/kg w.w.) and the percentage share in the total concentration of ∑14 PFASs was between 56 and 73%. The average proportion of linear PFOS (L-PFOS) in the total PFOS (branched and linear) was the highest in salmon at 89% and trout at 87%, and in the other three species it ranged from 75 to 80%. Different consumption scenarios were assumed and the intake of PFASs was calculated for children and adults. Dietary intake via fish consumption was 3.20-25.13 ng/kg of body weight (b.w.) for children and 1.68-8.30 ng/kg b.w. for adults. Baltic fish caught along Polish coastal areas are a significant source of PFASs, especially for children.

Terrestrial animal livers as a source of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in the diet.

The livers of terrestrial animals are an important source of vitamins and minerals, but with the liver being the major filtering and detoxifying organ, it retains xenobiotic material, especially persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim of the study was human health risk assessment related to the presence of certain POPs, namely polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in terrestrial animals' livers. HRGC-HRMS was used to determine analyte concentrations in 99 liver samples of chicken, pork, beef, and mutton livers obtained from Polish farms. The ovine livers were the most contaminated by ∑PCDD/F/dl-PCBs (0.06-2.21 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 wet weight), ∑ndl-PCBs (0.036-1.54 ng g-1 wet weight) and ∑PBDEs (0.21-2.27 ng g-1 wet weight). Samples were found of ovine and pork livers that exceeded the maximum concentration limits established for PCDD/Fs. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there were statistical differences between regions in the concentrations of the ∑PCDD/Fs and ∑PCDD/F-PCBs, but none in those of the ∑dl-PCBs, ∑ndl-PCBs or ∑PBDEs. According to Dunnett's test results, ovine liver samples from the Podlaskie province contained fewer ∑PCDD/F than those from the Dolnoslaskie (p < 0.027) and Malopolskie (p < 0.0342) voivodeships. Taking into account PCDD/F contents and Tolerable Weekly Intake (2 pg WHO-TEQ/kg BW) (TWI2018), the lowest risk was associated with chicken liver consumption (TWI up to 11 % in the 95th percentile), pork (62 %) and bovine (92 %) livers should be eaten in limited amounts for risk avoidance, while mutton liver (400 %) should not be eaten at all. Additionally, there is no risk of ingestion of a harmful amount of PBDEs associated with consumption of the livers of terrestrial animals from Poland based on the margin of exposure values (>15).

Engine oil from agricultural machinery as a source of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in free-range hens.

Free-range hens spend most of their lives outdoors, resulting in their heavy exposure to environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs). We present a case of contamination of free-range eggs that is previously unreported in the literature. The aim of our study was a source investigation after finding a high level of PCDD/Fs in samples of eggs from one of the inspected farms. Samples of hens' eggs, muscles, and livers and the feeds and soils were analyzed. The results showed that the soil samples taken from the paddock contained high concentrations of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs expressed as toxic equivalents (TEQ) (72.9 ± 18.2 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 dry mas (d.m.)) and a high concentration of NDL-PCBs (207 ± 46.9 ng g-1 d.m.). The investigation found that the cause of the soil contamination was oil leaking from the farm's tractor engine. The oil contained very high concentrations of PCDD/F and DL-PCBs (1013 ± 253 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 oil) and 5644 ng g-1 of NDL-PCBs. The source of the contamination was confirmed by the similarity of the PCDD/F and PCB profiles in the hen eggs and the soil contaminated by engine oil. The dietary intake of toxins resulting from consumption of the eggs is provided. For children, the consumption of contaminated eggs would result in an intake of double the tolerable weekly intake (TWI), while for adults, it would be approx. 60-70% of TWI.

Perfluoroalkyl substances in hen eggs from different types of husbandry.

Poultry eggs from cage, ecological and free range production were analyzed in terms of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Taking into account all fourteen analyzed compounds, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) reach the highest concentrations (mean 0.23, 0.24, 0.27 µg/kg wet weight (w.w) for organic, cage and free range eggs respectively. Taking into account the lower bound sum of four PFASs: PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS which according to EFSA, made up half of the lower bound exposure to PFASs, organic eggs were the most contaminated (0.10 µg/kg wet weight) followed by free range (0.04 µg/kg wet weight) and battery cage (0.00 µg/kg wet weight). The percentage share in the lower bound concentration indicates the dominant role of PFOS (37-100%). Linear PFOS accounted for 71-92% of the sum of linear and branched PFOS. Estimates of PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS intake via eggs based lower-bound concentrations were 0.00-0.65 ng/kg b. w for children and 0.00-0.21 ng/kg b. w for adults which corresponds to 0-15% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and 0-5% TWI for children and adult respectively.

Dioxins and PCBs in freshwater fish and sediments from Polish lakes.

PCDD/F and PCB concentrations were analysed in sediments, fish muscles, and livers collected from four lakes in Poland. In general, the fish and sediments had low levels of dioxins and PCBs. The total TEQ in the sediments was 0.12-0.47 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 dry matter (dm), the NDL-PCB content was at 0.05-0.36 ng g-1 dm. The muscles contained PCDD/F/DL-PCBs levels of 0.03-3.19 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 wet weight (ww) while the NDL-PCB content was 0.08-27.30 ng g-1 ww. The livers contained 0.73-8.74 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 ww and the NDL-PCB content was 1.52-88.84 ng g-1 ww. The potential health risk for fish consumers was assessed using the Tolerable Weekly Intake (2 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bw). The consumption of 200 g of fish containing an average PCDD/D/DL-PCB content results in an intake of 43-455% TWI and 14-150% TWI for children and adults, respectively, depending on fish species and sampling point.

Environmental Contamination of Free-range Hen with Dioxin.

INTRODUCTION: The transfer of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a contaminated environment into the food chain is a serious consumer safety problem. As part of the Polish National Surveillance Program of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in food of animal origin, a concentration of PCDD/Fs of 4.61 ± 0.75 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat was determined in a sample of free-range eggs, which exceeded the permitted limit of 2.5 pg WHO-TEQ/g. The aim of the study was to investigate the source of the egg contamination and the risk for the eggs' consumers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eggs, muscles, feed and soil from the place where backyard waste burning had been carried out in the past and ash from a household stove tipped onto the paddock were analysed using the isotope dilution technique with high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The concentration in ash was low at 0.20 pg WHO-TEQ/g and the congener profile did not indicate the source of contamination. The dioxin content in soil from the backyard waste-burning site was 2.53 pg WHO-TEQ/g dry matter (d.m.) and the soil's profile of PCDD/F congeners matched the profile of the contaminated eggs. CONCLUSION: By reason of the congener profile similarity, the investigation concluded, that the cause of the contamination was the backyard waste-burning site soil which the animals had access to. Frequent consumption of contaminated eggs from the analysed farm could pose a health risk due to chronic exposure, especially for vulnerable consumers.

PCDD/Fs and PCBs in Baltic fish - Recent data, risk for consumers.

This study determines the levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in Baltic fish caught in ICES areas 24, 25, and 26, and the related risk for fish consumers in relation to the newly established Tolerable Weekly Intake dose (TWI) (2 pg WHO-TEQ kg --1 body weight). The total PCDD/F/DL-PCBs toxic equivalents in the fish muscle ranged from 0.12 to 10.34 pg WHO-TEQ g - -1 wet weight. Salmon muscles contained the highest average concentration and cod the lowest, below 0.5 pg WHO-TEQ g - -1 wet weight of total TEQ. The average intake of PCDD/F/DL-PCBs (portion of fish 200 g) was 91-2420% of the TWI for children, and 30-799% of the TWI for adults. It appears that despite the decreased levels of PCDD/F and PCBs in Baltic fish, in relation to the newly established TWI dose, this decrease is not enough to make the Baltic fish safe for frequent consumers.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in raw milk from different animal species and in infant formula. Occurrence and risk assessment.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widespread, persistent in the environment, and classified as global pollutants. Their presence has been confirmed in various types of food which adversely affect human health when consumed in sufficient amounts. Although milk has advantageous nutritional qualities and there are health benefits associated with its consumption, it could also contain toxic PBDEs. The aim of the study was the determination of the concentrations of ten congeners (BDE -28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183, and 209) in cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk obtained from Polish farms and their determination in infant formula. A total of 103 samples of raw milk and infant formula were tested using an accredited high-resolution gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry method. PBDEs were detected in all analyzed samples, the highest concentration being found in sheep's milk (11.9 ng g-1 fat), and cow's milk containing the least contamination. BDE-209 makes the predominant contribution to the sum of the ten congeners, constituting at least 38%. The profiles of PBDEs were dependent on the milk type and the differences between its varieties are discussed. The highest median concentration of the sum of ten PBDEs (0.473 ng g-1 fat) was determined in infant formula, which was identified as an important source of infants' exposure (5.48 ng kg-1 b.w. day-1 calculated based on P95 concentration). Milk is a source of PBDE in the diet; however, considered in isolation its consumption does not pose a risk to either adults' or children's health.

Farmed Fish as a Source of Dioxins and PCBs for Polish Consumers.

INTRODUCTION: This paper reports polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in fish collected from Polish and Vietnamese farms and the related risk for consumers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Altogether, 160 samples were analysed using an isotope dilution technique with high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). To characterise the potential health risk associated with PCDD/F and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (DL-PCB) intake, doses ingested in two 100 g portions of fish by adults and children were calculated and expressed as the percentage of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) newly established by the EFSA in November 2018 at 2 pg WHO-TEQ kg-1 b.w. RESULTS: Generally, levels in fish muscles were low in relation to maximum limits (4), being in the range of 0.02-3.98 pg WHO-TEQ g-1 wet weight (w.w.) for PCDD/F/DL-PCBs and 0.05-24.94 ng g-1 w.w. for NDL-PCBs. The highest concentration was found in eel muscles. The least polluted were pangas and zanders and the levels were at the limits of quantification. Consumption of two portions of fish per week results in intakes of 9- 866% TWI by children and 4-286% TWI by adults. CONCLUSION: Frequent consumption of some species (for example eel and bream) can pose a health risk to vulnerable consumers and especially children and pregnant women.

Impact of environmental pollution on PCDD/F and PCB bioaccumulation in game animals.

Elucidation of the relationship between the levels of 35 individual dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in environmental samples (pine needles, leaves, grass and soil), and their bioaccumulation in the muscles of two game animal families (Cervidae and Suidae) was the aim of the research. Comparative studies were performed in four industrially degraded regions with various types of heavy industry and in an agricultural region with a tourism industry. The content of pollutants was determined by the isotopic dilution method using high resolution gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. The polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furan and PCB profiles in plants, soil and animal tissues varied by region and were related to the indigenous industry. The presence of characteristic congeners of particular industrial sectors was found. The animal tissue congeners were a reflection of the types and levels found in soil and plants. Independently of the region, deer tissue had almost twice the concentration of PCDD/F/DL-PCBs compared to boars, but the converse was true for NDL-PCBs. Spearman's statistical test showed strong correlations between pine needle, leaf, grass and soil dioxin and dioxin-like PCB levels and concentrations of these in the tissues of both species. Coefficients of bioaccumulation in deer muscles (BAF) calculated for all regions varied considerably and they were significantly higher for wild boars. BAF decreased with increasing number of chlorine atoms in the dioxin and furan molecule. The highest congener values were for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzodioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran in both kinds of muscle regardless of the region. The levels of pollutants, types of pollutants, and their relative abundance in tissues of deer and boar reflected their surrounding environment and local pollutant emitters.

Exposure to PBDEs associated with farm animal meat consumption.

One of the ways to reduce the number of fires and the amount of damage caused by them is to use flame retardants (FRs). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), like other FRs, have been used in a wide array of easily flammable products. As they are not chemically bonded with materials, PBDEs can be released from polymers into the environment. PBDEs can act as endocrine disruptors and affect neurological and thyroid activity. Although human intake of PBDEs is mainly through food, data about meat as a PBDE source and human exposure through diet are limited. The objective of the present study was to develop a comprehensive database of congener-specific PBDE concentrations in farm animal muscle and to characterize potential consumer exposure. For exposure assessment, two consumption scenarios were used for adults and children. The dietary exposure to PBDE congeners is based on the assumed portion size of 100 g of different meat species. Calculations for the participants were performed using food consumption data of the Statistical Yearbook (2015/2016). The intake of PBDEs was estimated as the median (P50) and the average for all kinds of tested meat. For health risk assessment, the margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used. MOE values were in range from 5 to 149 352 132. The obtained results indicate that concentrations of ten tested congeners (BDE-28,47,49,99,100,138,153,154,183,209) in different kinds of farm animal meat (cow, chicken, farm deer, horse, ostrich, pig, rabbit, sheep, turkey) are low and meat consumption does not pose a risk for human health.

Dioxins and PCBs in game animals: Interspecies comparison and related consumer exposure.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCB) and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCB) are ubiquitous, persistent toxic compounds that are highly bioaccumulative in nature. Wild-living animals are vulnerable to the negative impacts of human activity. Dioxins and PCBs enter the animal organisms through foraging. Due to the toxicological threat, much attention is paid to these compounds worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the dioxin contamination status of three game animal species (red deer, roe deer, and wild boar) and compare the PCDD/F and PCB congener bioaccumulation in the muscles, abdominal fat and liver. The chemical analysis was performed by the isotope dilution technique (IDMS) with high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Dioxins and PCBs were found in specimens collected from all studied species, suggesting the presence of the test compounds in the environment of the animals. The highest concentrations were found in the livers of all animals. The toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels in the muscles, adipose tissue and liver were in the order red deer > roe deer > wild boar. PCDD/Fs were the dominant congeners in TEQ value. For all tested species, the dominant contributors to the total WHO-TEQ were PCB-126, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD. Among the PCDD/F congeners in the deer tissues, OCDD, OCDF and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF were dominant, while in wild boar, OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCF occurred in the highest amounts. Among PCBs, PCB-105, 118, 156, 138, 153 and 180 were dominant in all species, but with different levels. The regular consumption of muscle meat from game animals should not cause unacceptable dioxin intake above the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) value for children and adults. However, liver consumption should be avoided, especially by children and pregnant or lactating women. High consumption of contaminated liver may cause dioxin intake at levels up to 300% of TWI for adults and up to 700% TWI for children.

Soil as a source of dioxin contamination in eggs from free-range hens on a Polish farm.

The transfer of dioxins from contaminated soil into the food chain has recently become an up-and-coming topic in the environmental policy and health-related consumer protection. Within the framework of the 2011 National Food Survey that monitored the levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in foods of animal origin, the sum of the WHO-PCDD/F/PCB-TEQ concentrations exceeding two-fold the European Union's maximum level was detected in eggs from a free-range farm (12.55 ± 2.37 pg WHOPCDD/F/PCB-TEQ/g fat). Investigations have revealed that the source of egg contamination was the backyard soil on which the hens were foraging. A follow-up study of laying hens from this farm has demonstrated the transfer of dioxins into all tested tissues (breast and leg muscles, abdominal fat), liver and ovarian follicles. The bioaccumulation of dioxins was found to be congener and tissue-dependent. The highest concentration was found in the liver, followed by the ovarian follicles, and the adipose tissue. The PCDD/F levels in the liver often were approximately two times higher from those in other materials from the same hen. The potential dioxin intakes with eggs were expressed as the percent of the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI), and the Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI). The weekly intake of dioxins would be 3.5 pg WHO-TEQ/kg b.w. (24.9% TWI) for an adult and 20.3 pg WHO-TEQ/kg b.w. (145.2% TWI) for a 3-year old child. Considering a monthly consumption of such contaminated eggs, intake of dioxins would be slightly lower, but still over 100% of the PTMI for a child. The obtained results complement the knowledge on possible dioxin sources in food and are important for risk management authorities.

PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs intake from fish caught in Polish fishing grounds in the Baltic Sea--characterizing the risk for consumers.

Fish and fishery products are among the primary sources of dietary exposure to dioxins. It is known that some fish species caught in the Baltic Sea contain elevated level of those compounds. Levels of dioxins and DL-PCBs in 236 Baltic fish samples (including 65 salmon, 14 sea trout, 63 sprat, 63 herring, 31 cod), and 20 cod liver samples from the Polish fishing grounds (the ICES zones 24-27), collected in the time frame of 2006-2011 as part of Polish monitoring survey have been used for risk assessment. To characterize potential health risk associated with dioxins intake, doses ingested in a single portion of fish and cod liver by adults (200g for fish, 125g for cod liver), and children (100g for fish, 25g for cod liver) were expressed as percent of Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) and Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI). Average dioxins intake estimated for fatty fish species was about 250% TWI for children, and about 170% TWI for adults, with maximum values of 436.3 and 288.0% TWI, respectively. Maximum exposure expressed as percent of PTMI was below 90% for children and below 60% in adults. For sprat and herring, mean dioxins intakes were lower, but still not at "safe" level: 100-150% TWI for children and about 70-100% for adults, with the maximum values of about 250 and 180%, respectively. Maximum exposure expressed as percent of PTMI was approximately 50% for children and 35% for adults. Intakes values calculated for practically "dioxin-free" cod are just theoretical because in calculating toxic equivalents (TEQs) an upperbound approach was applied, and vast majority of TEQs originates from the limit of quantification (LOQ) values of all non-quantified congeners. Frequent consumption of cod liver seems to be a health risk as, according to assumed scenario, dioxins intake of 100% PTMI for adults would be achieved by the 65th percentile, while for children by approximately 90th percentile of results. Serving sizes of salmonids, cod liver, and even sprat, and herring that lead to total dioxins intake equal to TWI, and PTMI were relatively small. Thus, one can easily exceed those toxicological reference values consuming above Baltic fish species available on the Polish market. Taking into account low fish consumption in Poland and, additionally, low share of Baltic fish in total consumption of marine fish, potential risk of high dioxins intake does not apply to general population. Occasionally elevated dioxins intake above TWI or PTMI is not necessarily related to health risk, because of uncertainty factors embedded in these toxicological reference values. However, some sub-populations in Poland that habitually consume fatty fish originating from the Baltic Sea or Baltic cod liver may be at an elevated health risk of potential consequences of chronic exposure to dioxins. Dietary recommendations based on risk-benefit analysis for consumers of such fish and fishery products from the Baltic Sea would be the most effective tool for risk management.

Survey of persistent organochlorine contaminants (PCDD, PCDF, and PCB) in fish collected from the Polish Baltic fishing areas.

Concentrations and congener-specific profiles of PCDDs, PCDFs, dl-PCBs, and ndl-PCBs were determined in five species of edible fish from the Baltic Sea (ICES 24-27): salmon (Salmo salar), Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), sprat (Sprattus sprattus balticus), sea trout (Salmo trutta m.trutta), and cod (Gadus morhua callarias). Marker PCBs were the dominant compounds (0.07-60.84 ng/g w.w.), followed by dl-PCBs (0.64-6.07 pg WHO-TEQ/g w.w.) and PCDD/PCDFs (0.22-5.67 pg WHO-TEQ w.w). The concentration levels of contaminants varied between species. Salmon possessed the highest concentrations (up to 14.11 ± 2.36 pg WHO-TEQ/g w.w.) and cod the lowest ones (0.84 ± 0.14 pg WHO-TEQ/g w.w.). Congener profile in the fish tested had similar pattern. The largest contribution to the dioxin toxicity was caused successively by PCB 126, 118, 156, furans (2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDF), and two dioxins: 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Although the dietary consumption of fish from southwest region of the Baltic Sea did not represent a risk for human health (because of very low consumption of marine fish), the excessive eating of some of them may be of significance importance for health of various subgroups of consumers (fishermen).