PCBs in honey, milk, and eggs from Algiers (Algeria) and its health risks

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that bioaccumulate in the food chain and may be a threat for human health. This study quantified PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153, and PCB 180 in cow's milk, poultry eggs, and honey from Algiers and evaluated dietary exposure for adults and infants. A total of 180 samples (20 per matrix and site) were analysed by a validated GC-MS method. PCB levels ranged from < LOD to 13.6 ng/g in milk, < LOD to 10.6 ng/g in honey and < LOD to 35.3 ng/g in eggs, with significant regional differences (p < 0.05) and generally higher levels in Beraki. Estimated daily intakes were consistently higher in infants than adults. Nevertheless, congener specific hazard quotients/toxic equivalents and cumulative hazard indices remained below 1 for all matrices, indicating low non carcinogenic risk under the applied assumptions. These baseline data support monitoring and source oriented mitigation strategies in Algeria for food safety reasons.