Human and environmental exposure to PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in Africa: A review
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Chemosphere
Abstract
This paper reviews literature for the last two decades with emphasis on levels, toxic equivalencies and
sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated
biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in Africa. Further, we comprehensively analysed data, interpret differences
and identify existing gaps with those from other continents.We observed that high levels of PCDD/
Fs and dl-PCBs were reported in environmental and biological samples near densely populated urban
and industrialised areas compared to those in rural settings. In general, the concentrations of PCDD/Fs
and dl-PCBs in the blood samples from Africa were in the same range as those from Asia but lower than
those from Europe. The concentrations of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in the atmosphere in Africa
were comparable to and/or higher than those in developed countries. The reported sources of PCDD/Fs
and dl-PCBs in Africa were industrial emissions, obsolete pesticide stockpiles, household heating, recycling
of electronic waste, and incineration and combustion of domestic waste. Regional and intercontinental
transport of dioxins could not be confirmed because of the lack of sufficient literature on them.
Further data about the levels and sources of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in Africa need to be generated to
complete the chemical inventories for the continent and to facilitate the implementation of the Stockholm
Convention on persistent organic pollutants. The reviewed literature shows that most analyses
have been carried out in laboratories outside Africa because of the limited institutional capacity in Africa.
More support needs to be given to laboratories in Africa to develop the capacity to accurately quantify
dioxins on routine basis.
Description
Keywords
PCDD/Fs, Dioxin-like PCBs, Toxic equivalents, Sources, Africa, Review
Citation
Ssebugere, P., Sillanpää, M., Matovu, H., & Mubiru, E. (2019). Human and environmental exposure to PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in Africa: A review. Chemosphere , 223 , 483-493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.065