Dioxins and PCBs

Dioxins are released as unintentional byproducts in burning and chlorination processes. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been used for example as heat transfer and insulation fluids in capacitors and transformers. The EU has set maximum limits on the levels of dioxins and PCBs allowed in fish and other foods.

The analytical methods for dioxins and PCBs are accredited with a flexible scope. This means that the methods are suitable for most sample matrixes.

The unit provides analytical services on a routine basis and accepts individual samples as well as samples from larger research projects. Details of the method are given in the Analytical Services brochure.

Compounds analyzed

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)

• 2,3,7,8-TCDD
• 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD
• 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD
• 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD
• 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD
• 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD
• OCDD

Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)

• 2,3,7,8-TCDF
• 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF
• 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF
• 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF
• 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF
• 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF
• 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF
• 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF
• 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF
• OCDF

Non-ortho polychlorinated bifenyls (Non-ortho PCBs)

• PCB 77
• PCB 81
• PCB 126
• PCB 169

Other polypolychlorinated bifenyls (Other PCBs)

• PCB 18
• PCB 28/(31)
• PCB 33
• PCB 47
• PCB 49
• PCB 51
• PCB 52
• PCB 60
• PCB 66
• PCB 74
• PCB 99
• PCB 101
• PCB 105
• PCB 110
• PCB 114
• PCB 118
• PCB 122
• PCB 123
• PCB 128
• PCB 138
• PCB 141
• PCB 153
• PCB 156
• PCB 157
• PCB 167
• PCB 170
• PCB 180
• PCB 183
• PCB 187
• PCB 189
• PCB 194
• PCB 206
• PCB 209

Original Source

Nov 2006 STUDIES - BINARY MIXTURE OF DIOXINS: PCB

3,3N,4,4N,5-PENTACHLOROBIPHENYL 
(PCB 126)
(CAS NO. 57465-28-8)



AND

2,3N,4,4N,5-PENTACHLOROBIPHENYL 
(PCB 118)
(CAS NO. 31508-00-6)


Results 

Female rats administered the mixtures of PCB 126 and PCB 118 developed a variety of diseases in several organs, including cancers of the liver, lung, and mouth.  

A variety of other toxic lesions observed in exposed animals included 

hypertrophy
hyperplasia
hepatopathy
fibrosis, and necrosis of the liver
hyperplasia of the oral mucosa
metaplasia of the lung
atrophy of the thymus
hypertrophy of the thyroid gland
atrophy of the adrenal cortex
vacuolization and atrophy of the pancreas
kidney nephropathy
hyperplasia of the nose
hyperplasia of the forestomach
hemorrhage of lymph nodes and brain
atrophy of the spleen. 

Conclusions 
We conclude that the mixtures of PCB 126 and PCB 118 caused cancer and other toxic effects at several sites in female rats.

Study Results 
niehs.nih.gov: Paper published