Polychlorinated biphenyls in umbilical cord serum of newborns from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are food-chain contaminants that have been shown to contaminate foods worldwide. The newborn are exposed to these organochlorine compounds across the placenta and through breastfeeding. They are proven to be carcinogenic and may contribute to congenital malformation etiology. Methods: This study examined levels of five PCB congeners (28, 52, 138, 153 and 180) in umbilical cord serum samples from 148 newborns from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Serum concentrations of PCBs were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and mass spectrometry. Results: Levels of E PCBs ranged from 035 to 55.17 ng/ml in umbilical cord serum positive samples, and PCB 138 was the most prevalent congener. Only 7.4% of samples presented no PCB congener. Conclusions: Some PCB congener cord serum levels were related to the locale of the mothers' residence, smoking and drinking habits, fruit consumption, and congenital malformation. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.