ABSTRACT: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemical contaminants classified as persistent organic pollutants. Although, their use has been banned for several decades, PCBs are still scattered in the environment and; therefore, all living organisms may be exposed to these compounds. Diet, especially fatty foods such as milk, has been recognized as one of the main sources of human exposure to PCBs. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the residual levels of indicator PCBs in whole milk powder consumed by preschool children in the Municipality of Imbé, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and to determine the estimated daily intake of these PCBs through this food. Analyses were performed by GC-μECD and the results were confirmed by GC/MS. The PCBs... |