The presence of PCDDs and PCDFs in human breast milk from the Netherlands

Abstract Sixteen individual and two pooled human milk samples were analyzed for PCDDs and PCDFs. All detected PCDD and PCDF congeners had a 2,3,7,8-chlorine substitution pattern. The PCDDs and PCDFs were associated with the lipid fraction of the milk. Major components were 2,3,4,7,8-PnCDF (0.2 – 2.6 ppt), 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD (0.2 – 5.7 ppt), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD (1.3 – 19.1) and OCDD (1.7 – 37.8 ppt), with concentrations on total milk basis. Minor components were 1,2,3,7,8-PnCDD, 1,2,3,7,8,9- and 1,2,3,4,7,8- HxCDD (⩽ 1 ppt). Qualitatively and quantitatively the milk samples from the Netherlands strongly resemble those from Sweden and West-Germany. A linear relationship was found between some congeners. This correlation was highest for congeners having an equal number of chlorine atoms or those with a difference of one chlorine atom. By using a one compartment open model for multiple doses, a maximum liver concentration of approximately 200 ppt 2,3,4,7,8-PnCDF in the neonate was calculated after six months.