Mark
You could start with the following, more or less recent, publications, all of which are available on the Internet, and follow up the bibliographies for detailed information. There are undoubtedly other publications, but I know about these. Beware of partisan digested reports from pressure groups - go back to the originals.
Peter Howgate
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European Commission (2001). Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the risk assessment of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBS in food. Update based on new scientific information available since the adoption of the SCF opinion of 22nd November 2000. Adopted on 30 May 2001. European Commission, Health, Consumer Protection Directorate-General, Brussels. http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/scf/out90_en.pdf
Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition/ Committee on Toxicity (2004). Advice on fish consumption: benefits & risks. London: The Stationery Office. http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fishreport2004full.pdf
COT Statement On The Tolerable Daily Intake For Dioxins And Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls Monday 19 November 2001. http://www.food.gov.uk/science/ouradvisors/toxicity/statements/cotstatements2001/dioxinsstate
Otles, S., Yildiz, H. (2003). Dioxin in food and human health Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2(5), 1-16.
http://ejeafche.uvigo.es/2(5)2003/009252003.htm
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Boulter
To: seafood@ucdavis.edu
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 6:37 AM
Subject: dioxin levels
Hi all,
In Sydney we are having further 'fallout' from a dioxin issue with product from Sydney Harbour.
The harbour was closed to commercial fishing back in January this year, due to fish and shellfish (prawns) measuring above a newly revised dioxin limit of 6pg WHO-TEQ /g .
Some of the fishermen who worked in this fishery and consumed some of their own catch on a frequent basis over many years have recently had blood tests done, the results of which have been causing a stir in the media today.
My question is does anyone know of any references regarding what are considered 'safe' or 'unsafe' levels of dioxin in human blood?
The local media here is quoting an Australian average reading of 10.9 TEQ pg/g of blood fat and some of the fishers have been measured at between 43 and 113 TEQ pg/g.
Any information would be much appreciated.
Mark Boulter
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Mark Boulter
Quality, Environment and Safety Manager
Sydney Fish Market Pty Ltd
Bank Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
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www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
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