LEVELS OF PCDDS AND PCDFS IN FOODSTUFFS FROM THE FEDERAL-REPUBLIC-OF-GERMANY

107 food samples collected in the Federal Republic of Germany have been analyzed for residues of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The results indicate that there is a remarkable difference between PCDD and PCDF levels in samples of animal and plant origin, respectively. While specimens of plant origin only contain very low levels near the detection limit all samples of animal origin show typical patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs. Common characteristic of all congeners identified is 2,3,7,8-chlorine substitution. When calculating toxic equivalents and taking consumption habits into account the average daily intake amounts to 85 pg TCDD-equivalents/person/day or 1.2 pg/kg body weight/day. From this it becomes evident that food-stuffs, especially of animal origin contribute to a considerable amount to the body burden of man. © 1990.