Estimation of the daily intake of hexachlorobenzene from food consumption by the population of Catalonia, Spain: Health risks

In 2000 and 2006, we determined the dietary intake of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by the population of Catalonia, Spain. In order to establish the temporal trend in the levels of HCB in foodstuffs, as well as in the dietary exposure to that environmental pollutant, the concentrations were again analyzed by HRGC/HRMS in 65 composite food samples widely consumed by the Catalan population. Food samples were randomly purchased in November-December 2008 in local markets, small stores, supermarkets, and large grocery stores from 12 representative cities from Catalonia. The daily intake of HCB associated with this consumption was estimated for four age groups of the population of Catalonia: children, teenagers, adults and seniors, which were in turn divided according to sex. The highest mean HCB levels in food were detected in oils and fats (0.297 ng/g fw), dairy products (0.225 ng/g fw), and fish and seafood (0.170 ng/g fw). In the 2000 and 2006 surveys, total dietary intakes of HCB were 166.2 and 71.6 ng/day, respectively (or 2.4 and 1.0 ng/kg of body weight per day). In the current study, it was 37.7 ng/day (or 0.54 ng/kg of body weight per day), which means considerable decreases with respect to the previous intakes. According to recommendations of international regulatory organisms, the current dietary intake of HCB should not mean any significant health risk (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) for any of the age/gender groups of population here assessed.

► Through this dietary survey, we established the temporal trend in HCB levels in foodstuffs. ► Considerable decreases in human dietary exposure to HCB have been found. ► The current dietary intake of HCB in Catalonia, Spain, is safe.