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Persistent Organochlorine Compounds in Human Milk Collected in Croatia Over Two Decades

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Abstract

The distribution and time trend of organochlorine pesticide (OCP), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDF) concentrations in human milk samples from Croatia collected in 1981–2003 are presented. Between 1981/1982 and 1987/1989, the concentrations of HCB, β-HCH, DDE, and total PCBs decreased about 50%, while for the last decade, the concentrations have been decreasing very slowly. In 2002/2003 the range of PCB congeners and OCPs was from below the limit of determination to 332 ng g−1 milk fat. PCDD/PCDF concentrations in human milk samples collected in 1981–2000 ranged between 5.2 and 26.7 pg I-TEQ g−1 milk fat and showed a decreasing trend.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, POB 291, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia

    B. Krauthacker, S. Herceg Romanić & E. Reiner

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Hospital Center, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Šalata 4, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

    A. Votava-Raić, D. Tješić-Drinković & Do. Tješić-Drinković

Authors
  1. B. Krauthacker
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  2. A. Votava-Raić
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  3. S. Herceg Romanić
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  4. D. Tješić-Drinković
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  5. Do. Tješić-Drinković
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  6. E. Reiner
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Herceg Romanić.

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Krauthacker, B., Votava-Raić, A., Herceg Romanić, S. et al. Persistent Organochlorine Compounds in Human Milk Collected in Croatia Over Two Decades. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 57, 616–622 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-009-9301-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-009-9301-3

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