RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of PCBs and the distribution of dioxin-like compounds in human milk collected from a polluted area where discarded electronic equipment is dismantled, and to evaluate the risk for feeding infants. METHODS: The authors collected 20 and 12 milk samples from the polluted area and nearby town, respectively. Milk samples were analyzed for total PCBs (t-PCBs) by gas chromatography, and two mixed milk samples from the two areas were detected the distribution of dioxin-like compounds. RESULTS: t-PCBs in human milks of polluted area and control area were 0.39 - 3.92 microg/g fat and 0.46 microg/g (only one sample was detectable), respectively. The TEQ of PCB126 contribute to total TEQ of dioxin-like compounds was similar to other countries and regions. The TEQs of PCBs of the polluted and control area were 59 pg/g fat and 6 pg/g fat, respectively. CONCLUSION: The TEQ of PCBs of polluted area was much higher than other countries and regions, and the dioxin-like compounds intake of infants was much higher than the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for dioxin recommended by WHO.
