We studied factors that predict serum concentrations of the 29 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) for which WHO Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs) exist, using data from 946 participants in the University of Michigan Dioxin Exposure Study (UMDES) in Michigan, USA. This study provides a valuable opportunity to identify potential environmental exposure pathways for PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs.

This study has strengths that make it valuable. Since it is a population-based study, the results apply to the general population of Midland and Saginaw Counties. Few other studies have concurrent measurements of serum, soil, and household dust PCBs, as we have, nor do they include as many subjects. Our serum analyses were based on large samples (80 ml of blood), which allowed us to have measurable PCB levels for almost all subjects. Few other studies have achieved these levels and, as a result, have been limited by large numbers of non-detectable serum levels.