Reductions in blood concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the general population of Barcelona from 2006 to 2016

Highlights

• Concentrations of the nine most prevalent POPs decreased markedly during the 10-years in almost all sex, age and BMI subgroups.

• A relevant component of the success is a reduction of differences (convergence) by gender.

• For some POPs the decrease was larger in the younger groups.

• Reductions in PCBs and DDE were observed in individuals with normal weight but not in individuals with obesity.

• Barcelona is one of few cities that biomonitor POP levels through periodic health surveys representative of the population.

Abstract

Background

Few cities in the world biomonitor changes in human levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through periodic health surveys representative of the general population.

Objectives

To analyze changes in serum concentrations of POPs in Barcelona from 2006 to 2016, and to analyze socio-demographic correlates of concentrations of 62 POPs in 2016.

Methods

Participants in the Barcelona Health Surveys of 2006 and 2016 (N = 231 and 240, respectively) were interviewed face-to-face, gave blood, and underwent a physical exam. POPs were analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry.

Results

Concentrations of all nine most prevalent compounds decreased markedly during the 10-years . Reductions occurred in almost all sex, age and BMI subgroups. For most organochlorine compounds the reduction was larger in women than men (for HCB, −77% and − 62%, respectively). For β-HCH, PCBs, naphthalene and phenanthrene the decrease was larger in the younger groups. Large reductions in concentrations of PCBs and DDE were observed in individuals with normal weight but not in individuals with obesity.

Conclusions

While concentrations of most POPs are decreasing in Barcelona, significant sociodemographic differences in such reductions warrant strengthening public and private policies towards groups making slower progress. A relevant component of the success in the current decreasing is a reduction of differences (convergence) by gender.