PCDDs/PCDFs in human breast milk from Argentina

Abstract

Due to its relatively high lipid content and non-invasively collection, human breast milk is very appropriate to monitor PCDD/Fs body burdens and has been selected as a preferred matrix in worldwide programs (WHO, 2007; UNEP, 2013). Moreover, breast milk enables the exposure assessment of newborns through lactation. In the last decades several breast milk monitoring programs have been coordinated with standardized sampling and analytical protocols in many countries. However, studies in South America have been scarce and mainly focused on organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate PCDD/Fs levels and congener composition in human breast milk from Argentina.