Epidemiologic Studies of PCB Congener Profiles in North American Fish Consuming Populations

Abstract

Long range atmospheric and stream transport and oceanic currents drive the ecologic process of PCB deposition in the abiotic environment. In contrast short range transport via bioaccumulation–biomagnification up the food chain determines PCB congener profiles and concentrations and their adverse effects in biological organisms. Two research approaches to congeners, with potential to associate specific adverse human health effects with PCB concentrations in indigenous small populations, are summarized in this study. The field epidemiologic approach includes giving questionnaires to target population groups in conjunction with sampling for PCBs (and selected persistent organic pollutants and metals), in foods purchased or hunted and collected by Inuit peoples. Direct determination of contaminant levels in food sources and among individuals in selected comparative subpopulations is also presented.