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Hexachlorobenzene in human milk collected from Beijing, China
Shuling Song1, Jun Ma, Qin Tian
1National Research Center for Geoanalysis (NRCGA), 26 Bai Wan Zhuang Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, China. songshuling163@163.com
Chemosphere
|January 23, 2013
Summary
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) levels in Beijing breast milk remain high, posing a risk to newborns. Despite a decade of efforts, HCB concentrations in human milk have not significantly decreased, necessitating ongoing monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated high hexachlorobenzene (HCB) concentrations in Beijing breast milk in 2002.
- Hexachlorobenzene is a persistent organic pollutant with potential adverse health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current levels of HCB in Beijing breast milk.
- To identify trends in HCB exposure among primiparous mothers.
- To evaluate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of HCB for newborns.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 65 breast milk samples from 50 primiparous mothers in Beijing between 2009-2011.
- Measurement of HCB concentrations (μg kg(-1) fat).
- Calculation of EDI for newborns and comparison with WHO tolerable daily intake values.
Main Results:
- Median HCB concentration in breast milk was 55.0 μg kg(-1) fat, exceeding national and international levels.
- Longitudinal analysis showed stable HCB levels within six months postpartum.
- Median EDI for newborns (0.20 μg kg(-1) body weight/d) surpassed the WHO tolerable daily intake (0.17 μg kg(-1) body weight/d).
Conclusions:
- HCB contamination in Beijing breast milk remains a significant environmental health concern.
- Current HCB exposure levels pose a potential risk to newborn health.
- Regular human milk monitoring programs for HCB are essential in Beijing.
