Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in blood plasma – Results of the German environmental survey for children and adolescents 2014–2017 (GerES V)

The German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents 2014-2017 (GerES V) investigated the current internal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP). These analyses were carried out for a population-representative sub-sample of 1135 children and adolescents (aged 3-17 years) of all 2394 GerES V participants. Blood plasma samples were analyzed for seven indicator PCB (PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180) and selected OCP (hexachlorobenzene, three hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, 4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDD and 4,4'-DDE). Despite risk mitigation measures and bans put into force some decades ago children and adolescents living in Germany are still exposed to PCB and OCP: Highest geometric mean plasma concentrations were measured for 4,4'-DDE (0.158 μg/L), followed by PCB 138 (0.049 μg/L), PCB 153 (0.066 μg/L) and PCB 180 (0.032 μg/L). Different application patterns of compounds between former East and former West Germany are still reflected by differences in plasma concentrations. Significant differences between age groups and by sexes were found. Moreover, the influence of breastfeeding and fish consumption, which was also found in other studies, was confirmed. Comparison with the results of GerES 2003-2006 confirms a decreasing trend in blood samples observed world-wide. Currently, health-based guidance values for PCB are still exceeded, though to a very limited extent. Also, the widespread occurrence of these compounds underlines the need for further monitoring of these compounds in humans although they are no longer marketed.