Human uptake of persistent chemicals from contaminated soil: PCDD/Fs and PCBs

Trace amounts of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous in the environment. Because of industrial activity, other human activities, and accidents, higher concentrations of these chemicals may be present in soil, in residential and recreational areas. Human uptake of these chemicals from such soils has been assumed by regulators, and people contacting such soils may be concerned about potential adverse health effects. Accordingly, clean up levels have been set by state and federal agencies. Whether and to what extent humans actually take up these chemicals from soil is the focus of this review. Since humans are also exposed to PCDD/Fs and PCBs in food and air, their concentrations in these media are presented. We find that their presence in soils is unlikely to increase human body burdens.