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Intercomparison on measurements of PCBs in pork fat during the Belgian PCB-crisis
Kai Bester1, Hedwig Beernaert, Alexander Bernreuther
1EC-JRC-IRMM, Retieseweg, Geel, Belgium. k.bester@INFU.uni-dortmund.de
Insights
A proficiency testing experiment assessed polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) monitoring data quality during Belgium's PCB crisis. Results showed significant initial deviations, improving to an average of 8.2-13.1% for key PCBs after intercalibration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Safety
Background:
- The Belgian PCB crisis (1999/2000) highlighted potential issues in food monitoring data quality.
- Proficiency testing is crucial for validating analytical laboratory performance in regulatory contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of data generated by laboratories involved in PCB monitoring during the crisis.
- To assess the effectiveness of a multi-step intercalibration process in improving data accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A proficiency testing study using spiked pork fat samples distributed to monitoring laboratories.
- Independent certification of the reference material by leading European PCB analysis laboratories.
- Stability testing of the reference material was conducted.
Main Results:
- Initial deviations between participating laboratories ranged from 15-25%.
- After intercalibration, average deviations for specific PCBs ranged from 8.1% (PCB 180) to 13.1% (PCB 52), with an 8.2% deviation for the sum of 7 PCBs.
- Tendencies for lower measurements of volatile PCB 28 and higher measurements of PCB 153 were observed.
Conclusions:
- The intercalibration exercise significantly improved the accuracy of PCB measurements.
- The study demonstrates the importance of proficiency testing for ensuring data quality in food safety monitoring.
- Variations in results highlight the need for standardized analytical methods and ongoing quality control for PCBs.
Abstract:
During the Belgian PCB crisis (1999/2000) the quality of the data from the PCB monitoring were studied with a proficiency testing experiment. Pork fat that was spiked at the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (EC-JRC-IRMM) was sent out as unknown to all laboratories that participated in the monitoring. In parallel, the material was certified on the basis of the results of several leading PCB laboratories throughout Europe that did not participate in the monitoring. During the first round 15 to 25% deviation was experienced, while in the end of this multistep intercalibration procedure the average deviation for the respective PCBs was 10.9% (PCB 28), 13.1% (PCB 52), 10.1% (PCB 101), 10.7% (PCB 118), 10.7% (PCB 138), 9.1% (PCB 153), 8.1% (PCB 180) and 8.2% for the sum of the 7 PCBs. The concentrations measured for the higher volatile PCB 28 had a tendency to show lower levels, while for PCB 180 this was less pronounced. On the other hand, PCB 153 showed results rather to the higher side. During this exercise the material was also tested for stability by one of the certifying laboratories.
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