Sources of dioxins and furans in British Columbia

A recent Canadian study of the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in adipose tissue suggested higher levels in British Columbians than in other Canadians. This led to concerns about the sources of these compounds in B.C. In this paper, we review scientific publications to generate a list of possible sources of PCDDs and PCDFs. We outline which of these are likely to be found in British Columbia, and develop hypotheses concerning their potential contribution to an individual's "PCDD/PCDF load". Further sampling and analysis of British Columbians' adipose tissue could test hypotheses about occupational and environmental exposures to dioxins and furans.