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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Dutch total diet samples (1984-1986)
R H de Vos1, W van Dokkum, A Schouten
1TNO-CIVO Institutes, Zeist, The Netherlands.
Summary
18-year-old males consumed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) daily from various foods, with sugar and sweets being a major source. Daily PAH intake ranged from 5-17 micrograms, with carcinogenic PAHs comprising half of this amount.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants found in various foods.
- Assessing dietary intake of PAHs is crucial for understanding potential health risks.
- Previous studies have indicated the presence of PAHs in the general food supply.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of 17 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a market basket of foods consumed by 18-year-old males.
- To estimate the daily dietary intake of PAHs for this demographic.
- To identify major food groups contributing to PAH exposure.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 10 market baskets comprising 221 food items over 2.5 years.
- Preparation of foodstuffs and combination into 23 commodity groups.
- Analysis of homogenates for 17 different PAHs using established analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- All 17 analyzed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in the food samples.
- Benzo[b]fluoranthene, fluoranthene, and benzo[k]fluoranthene were the most frequently detected PAHs.
- The mean daily intake of total PAHs was estimated between 5-17 micrograms/day, with carcinogenic PAHs accounting for approximately half.
Conclusions:
- 18-year-old males are exposed to a range of PAHs through their daily diet.
- The food groups 'sugar and sweets', 'cereals', 'oils, fats, and nuts' were the largest contributors to daily PAH intake.
- Dietary exposure to PAHs, including carcinogenic forms, is a relevant public health consideration.