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Brian K Gullett - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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pcdd f and aromatic emissions from simulated forest and grassland fires
Atmospheric Environment, 2008Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, Abderrahmane Touati, Lukas OudejansAbstract:Abstract Emissions of Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) from simulated grassland and forest fires were quantitatively sampled to derive emission factors in support of PCDD/F inventory development. Grasses from Kentucky and Minnesota; forest shrubs from California and Florida; and pine forest biomass from the Piedmont region of North Carolina, western North Carolina, and coastal Oregon were collected and tested in a burn facility that mimicked a prescribed fire in the natural environment scenario. Ambient sampling methods for PCDD/F were variously accompanied by real-time measurements of major aromatic species, including benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and styrene. Emission factors in mass of toxic equivalent (TEQ) of PCDD/F per kg of carbon burned (kgCb) for the two grasses averaged 0.32 ng TEQ/kgCb. Burn tests (n = 27) on forest biomass from the five sources show PCDD/F emission factors ranging from 0.3 to 26.3 ng TEQ/kgCb, with a mean and median of 5.8 and 3.3 ng TEQ/kgCb, respectively. Variation of the forest green/brown needle content, sample size, burn scenario, and facility ventilation rate showed no consistent effects on PCDD/F emissions. For forest burns, 30–35% of the PCDD and 50-55% of the PCDF emissions occurred during the flaming period from 0 to 5 min, while the highest emission factors (per mass of carbon burned) were recorded during the smoldering period from 5 to 60 min. Emissions of PCDD/F exceeded those present in the raw biomass by a factor of four, confirming PCDD/F formation from combustion rather than from simple surface volatilization. The majority of the PCDD/F partitions to the emissions rather than the ash.
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kinetic modeling of Polychlorinated dibenzo p dioxin and Dibenzofuran formation based on carbon degradation reactions
Environmental Science & Technology, 2008Co-Authors: Emanuela Grandesso, Abderrahmane Touati, Brian K Gullett, Shawn Ryan, E Collina, Marina Lasagni, Demetrio PiteaAbstract:Combustion experiments in a laboratory-scale fixed bed reactor were performed to determine the role of temperature and time in Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDF) formation, allowing a global kinetic expression to be written for PCDD/F formation due to soot oxidation in fly ash deposits. Rate constants were calculated for the reactions of carbon degradation, PCDD/F formation, desorption, and degradation. For the first time, values for activation and thermodynamic parameters for the overall reactions have been calculated for PCDD/F formation, desorption, and destruction reactions. Good agreement was found between the calculated rate constants for carbon degradation and for PCDD/F formation, indicating that the two processes have a common rate-determining step. Moreover, PCDD/F formation was found to be still active after long reaction times (24 h). These results points out the importance of carbon deposits in the postcombustion stages that can account for emissio...
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pcdd f emissions from forest fire simulations
Atmospheric Environment, 2003Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, Abderrahmane TouatiAbstract:Abstract Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emissions from combustion of forest biomass were sampled to obtain an estimated emission factor for forest fires. An equal composition of live shoot and litter biomass from Oregon and North Carolina was burned in an enclosed monitored facility, and emissions were sampled with a modified ambient air sampling method. Seven tests resulted in an average PCDD/F toxic equivalency (TEQ) emission of 19 ng / kg burned, a value close to previous indirect estimates. Emissions from the Oregon biomass averaged 25 ng TEQ/kg burned (range: 14–47) and those from the North Carolina biomass averaged 15 ng TEQ/kg burned (range: 1–56). Source-specific distinctions in isomer patterns and homologue profiles, however, suggest that the type of biomass has a significant effect on the composition of the resulting PCDD/F emissions. The mass-specific emissions are about 20 times higher than the concentration of the extracted biomass, suggesting that PCDD/F emissions are not simply a result of vaporization of cuticle-bound PCDD/F but are formed predominantly during the biomass combustion.
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Dechlorination-controlled Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran isomer patterns from municipal waste incinerators
Environmental Science & Technology, 2000Co-Authors: Fukuya Iino, Takashi Imagawa, Brian K GullettAbstract:The ability to predict Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDF) isomer patterns from municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) enables an understanding of PCDF formation that may lead to preventive measures. This work develops a model for the pattern prediction, assuming that the chromatograph peak ratios relative to the total four heptachloro-Dibenzofuran (H7CDF) isomers are determined by position-specific dechlorination kinetics from an octachloro-Dibenzofuran (O8CDF) parent to H7CDFs and that these probabilities can subsequently predict the relative concentrations of lower chlorinated isomers. Agreement of PCDF isomer patterns between the model and sampled data from eight MWIs is consistent with formation of tetrachloro-Dibenzofurans to H7CDFs by dechlorination from an O8CDF parent. The application of the analogous theory to predict isomer patterns of poly- chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) did not provide any significant results, which implies that the formation mechanism of PCDDs is controlled by other fact...
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effects of combustion parameters on Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Dibenzofuran homologue profiles from municipal waste and coal co combustion
Waste Management, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, James E Dunn, S K Bae, K RaghunathanAbstract:Abstract Variation in Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD and PCDF) homologue profiles from a pilot scale (0.6 MWt, 2×106 Btu/h), co-fired-fuel [densified refuse derived fuel (dRDF) and high-sulfur Illinois coal] combustion system was used to provide insights into effects of combustion parameters on PCDD and PCDF pollutant formation. A 24-run, statistically designed test matrix varied dRDF and/or coal firing rates (at a constant targeted energy release rate) along with a range of process variables including calcium hydroxide injection, hydrogen chloride (HCl) concentration, flue gas temperature, quench, and residence time such that the results would be relatable to a wide variety of combustion conditions. Statistical analysis of the molar homologue profiles enabled interpretation based on non-confounding variables. A multivariate, generalized additive model, based on transformations of the design variables, described 83% of the variation of the profiles characterized by log ratios of the homologue molar concentrations. This method identifies the operating parameters that are most significant in determining the PCDD/F homologue profiles. The model can be exercised to predict homologue profiles through input of these system-specific operating parameters. For example, both higher HCl and sulfur dioxide concentrations favor higher relative formation of the lower chlorinated PCDF homologues.
Guoping Changchien - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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emissions of Polychlorinated dibenzo p dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran from motorcycles
Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 2010Co-Authors: Shiunncheng Chuang, Guoping Changchien, Shuijen Chen, Kuolin Huang, Linchi Wang, Yichu HuangAbstract:This study presents the first investigation of Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) emission from (six 2-stroke and six 4-stroke engine) motorcycles using chassis dynamometer tests. Effects of engine type and lubricant renewal on PCDD/F emission were also evaluated. The mean total PCDD/F emission concentration of tested motorcycles was 1.06 ng/Nm 3 , with a corresponding mean total PCDD/F I-TEQ of 0.0671 ng I-TEQ/Nm 3 . The mean PCDD/F emission concentration of 2-stroke engine motorcycles (1.17 ng/Nm 3 , 0.0727 ng 3 ) was more than that (0.912 ng/Nm 3 , 0.0534 ng I-TEQ/Nm 3 ) of 4-stroke engine motorcycles. The PCDD/F emission factors of motorcycles were comparable to those of some types of vehicles, although the tested motorcycles equipped with cylinders much smaller than those of vehicles. The dominant PCDD/F congeners of 2-stroke and 4-stroke motorcycles in emission priority were OCDD, OCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, accounting for 37%, 15%, 10% and 9% of the total PCDD/F emission, respectively. The reductions of PCDD/F and I-TEQ emissions after lubricant renewal of the 4-stroke motorcycles were 26%–45% and 41%–63%, respectively.
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evaluation of the emission characteristics of pcdd fs from electric arc furnaces
Chemosphere, 2006Co-Authors: Moo Been Chang, Kai Hsien Chi, Hung Chi Huang, Shian Sheng Tsai, Guoping ChangchienAbstract:Abstract Distribution of PCDD/F (Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran) congeners at two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) in Taiwan is evaluated via intensive stack sampling and analysis. Two kinds of exhaust system in EAFs including stack system and shutter system are selected for measuring dioxin emissions. In addition, dioxin emissions during oxidation and reduction stages at EAF-A were characterized. Results indicate that the PCDD/F concentration of stack gas in EAF-A was 4.39 ng/N m3 while total Toxic Equivalent Quantity (TEQ) concentration was 0.35 ng I-TEQ/N m3. The PCDD/F concentration of stack gas in EAF-B was 2.20 ng/N m3 and the TEQ concentration was 0.14 ng I-TEQ/N m3. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, OCDD and OCDF are the major contributors of the dioxin concentrations for two EAFs investigated and the percentage of PCDD/F in particulate phase increases as the chlorination level of the PCDD/F congener increases. The results obtained on gas/particulate partitioning of PCDD/Fs in flue gases prior to the APCD in EAFs indicate that more than 90% exists in particulate phase. In EAF-A, the PCDD/F concentration during oxidation stage is slightly higher than that measured during reduction stage, including the sampling points of CO converter outlet, prior to bag filter and stack. Majority of PCDD/Fs emitted from steel-making processes exists in particulate-phase (about 60–70%) at both EAFs investigated.
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characteristics of pcdd f congener distributions in gas particulate phases and emissions from two municipal solid waste incinerators in taiwan
Science of The Total Environment, 2005Co-Authors: Kai Hsien Chi, Moo Been Chang, Guoping Changchien, Chieh LinAbstract:Abstract Partitioning of PCDD/F (Polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran) congeners between gaseous and particulate phases and removal efficiencies of the existing air pollution control devices (APCDs) for PCDD/Fs at two large-scale municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) in Taiwan are evaluated via stack sampling and analysis. Two MWIs investigated are equipped with activated carbon injection (ACI) and selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) as major PCDD/F control devices, respectively. The average PCDD/F concentrations of stack gases are 2.35 and 1.49 ng/N m 3 , and the international toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) are 0.17 and 0.043 ng TEQ/N m 3 in MWI-A and MWI-B, respectively. The average removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs achieved with ACI+BF (bag filters) reaches 95% (MWI-A) while that achieved with the WS (wet scrubber)+SCR system reaches 99% (MWI-B). The results obtained on gas/particulate partitioning in flue gases indicate that particulate-phase PCDD/Fs accounted for 27.7% and 24.7% of the total PCDD/F concentrations at the outlets of cyclone (CY) and electrostatic precipitator (EP) for MWI-A and MWI-B, respectively. But the gas/particulate partitioning in flue gas after PCDD/Fs control devices is quite different in two MWIs. This study also indicates that total 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F discharges are 142.3 μg TEQ/ton waste for MWI-A and 98.6 μg TEQ/ton waste for MWI-B, respectively.
James E Dunn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effects of combustion parameters on Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Dibenzofuran homologue profiles from municipal waste and coal co combustion
Waste Management, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, James E Dunn, S K Bae, K RaghunathanAbstract:Abstract Variation in Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD and PCDF) homologue profiles from a pilot scale (0.6 MWt, 2×106 Btu/h), co-fired-fuel [densified refuse derived fuel (dRDF) and high-sulfur Illinois coal] combustion system was used to provide insights into effects of combustion parameters on PCDD and PCDF pollutant formation. A 24-run, statistically designed test matrix varied dRDF and/or coal firing rates (at a constant targeted energy release rate) along with a range of process variables including calcium hydroxide injection, hydrogen chloride (HCl) concentration, flue gas temperature, quench, and residence time such that the results would be relatable to a wide variety of combustion conditions. Statistical analysis of the molar homologue profiles enabled interpretation based on non-confounding variables. A multivariate, generalized additive model, based on transformations of the design variables, described 83% of the variation of the profiles characterized by log ratios of the homologue molar concentrations. This method identifies the operating parameters that are most significant in determining the PCDD/F homologue profiles. The model can be exercised to predict homologue profiles through input of these system-specific operating parameters. For example, both higher HCl and sulfur dioxide concentrations favor higher relative formation of the lower chlorinated PCDF homologues.
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the effect of cofiring high sulfur coal with municipal waste on formation of Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran
Environmental Engineering Science, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, K Raghunathan, James E DunnAbstract:ABSTRACT The effect of cofiring minor amounts (5–10 wt %) of high-sulfur coal with municipal refuse–derived fuel (RDF) on emissions of Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDF) was studied under a range of operating conditions. Through use of a 2x factorial test matrix the program examined the effect of sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentration on preventing PCDD/F formation while accounting for differences in hydrogen chloride concentration, sorbent slurry injection, and various furnace operating conditions such as quench rate, residence time, and RDF feed rate. An understanding of the effect of coal- and operating-related parameters on the postcombustion formation of PCDD/F is expected to assist in developing strategies aimed at preventing PCDD/F formation. The test facility was a 0.6-MWt (2 × 106 Btu/h) pilot scale, grate-fired combustor, designed to mimic the solid fuel handling and combustion rates of field units. Results were analyzed by examining comparative-run-avera...
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the effect of cofiring high sulfur coal with municipal waste on formation of Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran
Environmental Engineering Science, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, K Raghunathan, James E DunnAbstract:The effect of cofiring minor amounts (5-10 wt%) of high-sulfur coal with municipal refuse-derived fuel (RDF) on emissions of Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDF) was studied under a range of operating conditions. Through use of a 2 x factorial test matrix the program examined the effect of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) concentration on preventing PCDD/F formation while accounting for differences in hydrogen chloride concentration, sorbent slurry injection, and various furnace operating conditions such as quench rate, residence time, and RDF feed rate. An understanding of the effect of coal- and operating-related parameters on the postcombustion formation of PCDD/F is expected to assist in developing strategies aimed at preventing PCDD/F formation. The test facility was a 0.6-MW t (2x10 6 Btu/h) pilot scale, grate-fired combustor, designed to mimic the solid fuel handling and combustion rates of field units. Results were analyzed by examining comparative-run-averaged yields and through development of a model based on regression methods with stepwise parameter selection. The run-averaged yields and model show that higher SO 2 concentrations due to cofiring with coal result in significant suppression of PCDD/F formation, even when controlling for changes in other operating parameters.
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role of combustion and sorbent parameters in prevention of Polychlorinated dibenzo p dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran formation during waste combustion
Environmental Science & Technology, 1994Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, Paul M. Lemieux, James E DunnAbstract:The research uses experimental data and a statistical approach to determine the effect of combustion- and sorbent-injection-related parameters on the mechanism of Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD and PCDF, respectively) formation and prevention in waste combustors. The operation of a pilot-scale combustor was varied to effect different regimes of oxygen (O2), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and chlorine (Cl2) concentration; temperature; residence time; quench rate; and sorbent injection. Stepwise regression analyses determined the predictive parameters for four models of PCDD, PCDF, the total of PCDD and PCDF yield, and the partitioning between PCDD and total yield. (Copyright (c) 1993 Amercian Chemical Society.)
K Raghunathan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effects of combustion parameters on Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Dibenzofuran homologue profiles from municipal waste and coal co combustion
Waste Management, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, James E Dunn, S K Bae, K RaghunathanAbstract:Abstract Variation in Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDD and PCDF) homologue profiles from a pilot scale (0.6 MWt, 2×106 Btu/h), co-fired-fuel [densified refuse derived fuel (dRDF) and high-sulfur Illinois coal] combustion system was used to provide insights into effects of combustion parameters on PCDD and PCDF pollutant formation. A 24-run, statistically designed test matrix varied dRDF and/or coal firing rates (at a constant targeted energy release rate) along with a range of process variables including calcium hydroxide injection, hydrogen chloride (HCl) concentration, flue gas temperature, quench, and residence time such that the results would be relatable to a wide variety of combustion conditions. Statistical analysis of the molar homologue profiles enabled interpretation based on non-confounding variables. A multivariate, generalized additive model, based on transformations of the design variables, described 83% of the variation of the profiles characterized by log ratios of the homologue molar concentrations. This method identifies the operating parameters that are most significant in determining the PCDD/F homologue profiles. The model can be exercised to predict homologue profiles through input of these system-specific operating parameters. For example, both higher HCl and sulfur dioxide concentrations favor higher relative formation of the lower chlorinated PCDF homologues.
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the effect of cofiring high sulfur coal with municipal waste on formation of Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran
Environmental Engineering Science, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, K Raghunathan, James E DunnAbstract:ABSTRACT The effect of cofiring minor amounts (5–10 wt %) of high-sulfur coal with municipal refuse–derived fuel (RDF) on emissions of Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDF) was studied under a range of operating conditions. Through use of a 2x factorial test matrix the program examined the effect of sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentration on preventing PCDD/F formation while accounting for differences in hydrogen chloride concentration, sorbent slurry injection, and various furnace operating conditions such as quench rate, residence time, and RDF feed rate. An understanding of the effect of coal- and operating-related parameters on the postcombustion formation of PCDD/F is expected to assist in developing strategies aimed at preventing PCDD/F formation. The test facility was a 0.6-MWt (2 × 106 Btu/h) pilot scale, grate-fired combustor, designed to mimic the solid fuel handling and combustion rates of field units. Results were analyzed by examining comparative-run-avera...
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the effect of cofiring high sulfur coal with municipal waste on formation of Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran
Environmental Engineering Science, 1998Co-Authors: Brian K Gullett, K Raghunathan, James E DunnAbstract:The effect of cofiring minor amounts (5-10 wt%) of high-sulfur coal with municipal refuse-derived fuel (RDF) on emissions of Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran (PCDF) was studied under a range of operating conditions. Through use of a 2 x factorial test matrix the program examined the effect of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) concentration on preventing PCDD/F formation while accounting for differences in hydrogen chloride concentration, sorbent slurry injection, and various furnace operating conditions such as quench rate, residence time, and RDF feed rate. An understanding of the effect of coal- and operating-related parameters on the postcombustion formation of PCDD/F is expected to assist in developing strategies aimed at preventing PCDD/F formation. The test facility was a 0.6-MW t (2x10 6 Btu/h) pilot scale, grate-fired combustor, designed to mimic the solid fuel handling and combustion rates of field units. Results were analyzed by examining comparative-run-averaged yields and through development of a model based on regression methods with stepwise parameter selection. The run-averaged yields and model show that higher SO 2 concentrations due to cofiring with coal result in significant suppression of PCDD/F formation, even when controlling for changes in other operating parameters.
Geert De Poorter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Articles The Belgian PCB and Dioxin Incident of January–June 1999: Exposure Data and Potential Impact on Health
2013Co-Authors: Robert Vlietinck, Geert De Poorter, Human EcologyAbstract:biphenyls (PCBs) and 1 g of dioxins were distributed to animal farms in Belgium, and to a lesser extent in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. This study was based on 20,491 samples collected in the database of the Belgian federal ministries from animal feed, cattle, pork, poultry, eggs, milk, and various fat-containing food items analyzed for their PCB and/or dioxin content. Dioxin measurements showed a clear predominance of Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran over Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin congeners, a dioxin/PCB ratio of approximately 1:50,000 and a PCB fingerprint resembling that of an Aroclor mixture, thus confirming contamination by transformer oil rather than by other environmental sources. In this case the PCBs contribute significantly more to toxic equivalents (TEQ) than dioxins. The respective means ± SDs and the maximum concentrations of dioxin (expressed in TEQ) and PCB observed per gram of fat in contaminated food were 170.3 ± 487.7 pg, 2613.4 pg, 240.7 ± 2036.9 ng, and 51059.0 ng in chicken; 1.9 ± 0.8 pg, 4.3 pg, 34.2 ± 30.5 ng, and 314.0 ng in milk; and 32.0 ± 104.4 pg, 713.3 pg, 392.7 ± 2883.5 ng, and 46000.0 ng in eggs. Assuming that as a consequence of this incident between 10 and 15 kg PCBs and from 200 to 300 mg dioxins were ingested by 10 million Belgians, the mean intake per kilogram of body weight is calculated to maximally 25,000 ng PCBs and 500 pg internationa
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the belgian pcb and dioxin incident of january june 1999 exposure data and potential impact on health
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2001Co-Authors: Nik Van Larebeke, Robert Vlietinck, Luc Hens, Paul Schepens, Adrian Covaci, Jan Baeyens, Kim Everaert, Jan Bernheim, Geert De PoorterAbstract:In January 1999, 500 tons of feed contaminated with approximately 50 kg of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 1 g of dioxins were distributed to animal farms in Belgium, and to a lesser extent in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. This study was based on 20,491 samples collected in the database of the Belgian federal ministries from animal feed, cattle, pork, poultry, eggs, milk, and various fat-containing food items analyzed for their PCB and/or dioxin content. Dioxin measurements showed a clear predominance of Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran over Polychlorinated dibenzodioxin congeners, a dioxin/PCB ratio of approximately 1:50,000 and a PCB fingerprint resembling that of an Aroclor mixture, thus confirming contamination by transformer oil rather than by other environmental sources. In this case the PCBs contribute significantly more to toxic equivalents (TEQ) than dioxins. The respective means +/- SDs and the maximum concentrations of dioxin (expressed in TEQ) and PCB observed per gram of fat in contaminated food were 170.3 +/- 487.7 pg, 2613.4 pg, 240.7 +/- 2036.9 ng, and 51059.0 ng in chicken; 1.9 +/- 0.8 pg, 4.3 pg, 34.2 +/- 30.5 ng, and 314.0 ng in milk; and 32.0 +/- 104.4 pg, 713.3 pg, 392.7 +/- 2883.5 ng, and 46000.0 ng in eggs. Assuming that as a consequence of this incident between 10 and 15 kg PCBs and from 200 to 300 mg dioxins were ingested by 10 million Belgians, the mean intake per kilogram of body weight is calculated to maximally 25,000 ng PCBs and 500 pg international TEQ dioxins. Estimates of the total number of cancers resulting from this incident range between 40 and 8,000. Neurotoxic and behavioral effects in neonates are also to be expected but cannot be quantified. Because food items differed widely (more than 50-fold) in the ratio of PCBs to dioxins, other significant sources of contamination and a high background contamination are likely to contribute substantially to the exposure of the Belgian population.
