Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are potentially hazardous compounds that can alter the thyroid hormone homeostasis as shown in animal studies. We investigated thyroid hormone levels in women around delivery and in their infants just after delivery, at 2 wks and 3 mnths of age. Dioxin and PCB levels were measured in human milk and in maternal and umbilical cord plasma.Conelusions: 1)TT3 and TT4 levels are negatively correlated to PCB and dioxin levels as can be found in the Dutch population. 2)TSH levels in newborns are significantly elevated at higher PCB and dioxin exposure. 3)These results indicate that PCBs and dioxins as found in the normal population have an effect on thyroid metabolism in humans.
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