PCDD/PCDF in consumer paper products: A Canadian perspective

There has been considerable public concern over the recently published findings of PCDD and PCDF in some bleached paper products. Using the toxic equivalents approach, contamination ranges from 4 to 38 ppt 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents in those products with detectable concentrations. Assessment of the significance of these findings for human health depends on: (1) the concentration of PCDD/PCDF in the product; (2) the rates of migration of PCDD and PCDF from paper to an absorptive surface of the body; and (3) the amounts of PCDD/PCDF absorbed by the body. This paper discusses the risk assessments carried out by the Department of National Health and Welfare and other groups for bleached paper products and current research underway in Canada to support health based assessments.