Health Effects of Chronic Exposure to Polychlorinated Dibenzo-P-Dioxins (PCDD), Dibenzofurans (PCDF) and Coplanar PCB (Co-PCB) of Municipal Waste Incinerator Workers

A national survey of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) in emission gases from the municipal waste incinerators in 1997 revealed that the Nose Bika Center was heavily contaminated by PCDF. Ninety-four workers underwent a physical examination, and blood biochemistry, lymphocyte marker, and NK activity studies were carried out, along with blood dioxin measurements. Information on working history, life-style, and dietary habits was obtained by questionnaire and interview. The blood dioxin levels were as follows. The median TEQ of dioxins was 39.7 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, and the range was 13.3 to 805.8. The median 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD concentration was 3.9 pg TEQ/g lipid, and the range was