PCDD and PCDF in human milk from Scandinavia, with special emphasis on Norway

Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) were measured in human milk in a collaborative Scandinavian study with 10 samples from each of 7 locations in Norway and Sweden (total 70 samples) and 10 samples from Denmark. Four locations represented areas with different PCDD and PCDF sources and three background areas. Norwegian results are presented and related to the Danish and Swedish values. No geographical differences were found in total dioxins expressed as Nordic TCDD equivalents. Mean equivalent values (pg/g fat basis) were 15-18 in Norway and Denmark and 20-24 in Sweden, lower than those reported from parts of Western Europe but higher than in the undeveloped countries. When looking at the individual compounds, the highest values of PCDD congeners were observed in industrialized areas of Sweden, while the highest PCDF values were found in a Norwegian area known for dioxin contamination from a magnesium-producing factory.