Distribution of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs and organochlorine residues in children’s blood from Zhejiang, China

Concentrations and congener specific profiles of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs and organochlorine residues were measured in 22 pooled blood samples representing 66 children from both polluted areas (E-waste recycling region) and case control areas in Zhejiang province, China. To our knowledge, this is the first report on these pollutants in the blood of Chinese children. The mean concentrations of ∑PCDD/Fs, ∑PCBs, ∑PBDEs, HCB and pp′-DDE in pooled blood samples from polluted areas (Luqiao) were 206 ± 157 pg g−1 lipid, 40.6 ± 7.01 ng g−1 lipid, 32.1 ± 17.5 ng g−1 lipid, 14.6 ± 20.1 ng g−1 lipid and 108 ± 21.8 ng g−1 lipid, respectively. WHO-TEQ-2005 for PCBs and PCDD/Fs were 11.9 ± 4.62 pg g−1 lipid and 10.3 ± 6.39 pg g−1 lipid, respectively. The results showed that PCBs, PBDEs and organochlorine residues in the E-waste recycling area were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the case control areas. High levels of PCDD/Fs were detected in the case control area (Longyou), where Na-PCP had been widely sprayed to prevent snailborne schistosomiasis. The contamination levels and profiles were compared with those documented in previous publications.