Evolution of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in the general adult population living close to a MSW incinerator.

It is well known that municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) produce dioxins and furans. The aim of this study was to assess the serum levels of compounds with dioxin-like activity such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like PCBs after the commissioning of a MSWI plant. In 2006 and 2008 serum samples were obtained from 322 and 326 volunteers, respectively, from the general population, some living in the vicinity of the plant and others, as a control group, living further away from the MSWI plant and out of the path of prevailing winds.