INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF POLYCHLORINATED NAPHTHALENES IN UK RETAIL FOODS

摘要

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were manufactured and used in the middle part of the last century. They are a group of persistent organic pollutants, some of which are reported to have dioxin-like toxicity. A series of the more highly substituted congeners (penta- to octa-) have been measured in a range of UK retail foods. PCNs were detected in all of the samples tested. Fish contained the highest PCN levels (concentration of total PCNs ranging from 0.73-37.3 ng/kg whole weight), as well as the biggest range of congeners, with PCN 52/60 (1,2,3,5,7-pentaCN/1,2,4,6,7-pentaCN) being the most abundant. Eggs and poultry contained a similarly wide range of congeners, but at lower levels (0.48-8.29 ng/kg whole weight). Occurrence was lowest in meat and dairy products (0.19-6.09 ng/kg whole weight). Further studies will be required for a fuller understanding of UK dietary exposure to PCNs, but there are no indications of an immediate risk to health.