Concentrations of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs, PBDEs, and hexachlorobenzene in fat samples from cattle of different ages and gender in Korea

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) concentrations were determined in abdominal fat samples from 30 cattle. The relationships between chemicals, age, and gender were investigated. The concentration of PCDD/Fs ranged from 0.01 to 1.36 pg TEQ g−1 fat, DL-PCBs ranged from 0.17 to 1.64 pg TEQ g−1 fat, PBDEs ranged from 135 to 725 pg g−1 fat, and HCB ranged from 25.5 to 2061 pg g−1 fat. A comparison between cattle’s age and gender vs. the concentration of contaminants revealed higher concentrations of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in cattle aged more than 3 years; no difference between genders was apparent. Moreover, the concentrations of PBDEs in cattle fat did not correspond with the age of cattle. Relative to cattle 1.5–2.5 years of age, cattle aged 3 and 4 years had higher concentration of HCB but the concentration difference was not clear at age 5. Human exposures to these compounds from beef sources were calculated based on beef consumption.