Utilization of adipose tissue biopsy in characterizing human halogenated hydrocarbon exposure

Halogenated hydrocarbons have been successfully utilized for pest control in agriculture and public health. In industry, the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been particularly useful. Unfortunately, residues have proven persistent and have been found widely dispersed in the environment. Because they have chemical properties that favor bioaccumulation, it is not surprising that many have been identified in animals and man. Such findings prompted public health concern and initiated review of potential adverse health impacts. In many instances this process has led to total prohibition of use or strict limitations. Highly lipophilic, the primary accumulation site in humans is adipose tissue. Analysis of adipose samples remains the preferred biologic index for estimating exposure. Improved instrumentation has lowered the limit of detection and improved the accuracy of quantification. Accumulated population experience has helped develop understanding of the dynamics of tissue partitioning in humans. Once such relationships have been adequately described, other less invasive procedures may be more confidently used for general surveillance purposes. Whenever adipose tissue is obtained, the blood compartment should also be sampled and the relationship reported. We have only begun to investigate the resulting partition ratio as an investigative tool.