Concentration of DL-PCBs in fish from market of Parma city (north Italy): Estimated human intake

The concentrations of 12 congeners of non-ortho and mono-ortho dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣDL-PCB) were measured in 30 fish samples from Parma markets by GC/MS technique. The samples were randomly purchased, choosing the species commonly found in supermarkets. The concentration of DL-PCBs estimated remained under the fixed Italian limit of 4 pg g−1 ww WHO-TEQ (World Health Organization–Toxic Equivalent) in the major part of the samples, so the situation seems to be not at a level sufficient to pose a risk to human health of the Parma population. The medium daily intake for DL-PCBs for Italian consumers (Parma) was also estimated. This value generally resulted minor than 2 pg g−1 ww WHO-TEQ kg−1 body weight, exceeding only in four cases: eel, smooth hound, starry smooth hound and tuna.

Research highlights
► We have determined the concentrations of 12 congeners of DL-PCBs in 30 fish samples from Parma (Italy) markets by GC/MS technique.
► We have calculated TEQ concentrations of DL-PCBs in fish samples, observing that it remained well below the existing Italian limit of 4 pg g−1 ww WHO-TEQ, except for eel, smooth-hound and starry smooth-hound.
► MDI (Medium Daily Intake) for DL-PCBs was also estimated for the Parma population and it resulted minor than 2 pg g−1 ww WHO-TEQ kg−1 body weight, exceeding only in four cases, but the situation seems to be not at a level sufficient to pose a risk to human health.