Serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the inhabitants of a Sicilian city

► p,p′-DDE, PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 were detected in all of the study participants. ► Concentrations of organochlorine compounds were relatively similar to that found in other populations. ► Serum concentrations of some organochlorine compounds were associated with socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics. ► In Sicilian agricultural settings, diet could play a more relevant role rather than occupational exposure. ► A close correlation was found between concentrations of several organochlorine compounds.