Exposure and risk assessment of dioxins and PCBs in humans

Abstract

The research described in this thesis was conducted to address health risks associated with occupational exposure to chlorophenoxy herbicides and dioxins (especially TCDD), with a special focus on specific health outcomes (cause specific mortality and immunological effects) and improved exposure assessment. Results from earlier studies on exposure to TCDD and cause-specific mortality remained rather inconclusive. Furthermore, reports on immunological effects after exposure to TCDD are sparse. The results asked for further research. This thesis also investigates exposure levels and interrelations between PCBs in the general population. Because of the widely use and persistent character of PCBs, most humans in western countries have been exposed. As most studies have been conducted among workers occupationally exposed, little is known on body burdens of humans with low chronic exposure as in the general population.