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Oléagineux, Corps Gras, Lipides. Volume 10, Number 4, 265-73, JUILLET-AOÛT 2003, Problématiques actuelles dans le domaine de l‘analyse des oléagineux et des corps gras

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Author(s) : Jean François NARBONNE

Summary : For more than thirty years awareness has been growing about the dangers for human health and the environment by persistent toxic substances (PTS). These chemicals persist for long periods, travel large distances from their point of origin to the environment and bioaccumulate in humans and other organisms through the food chain. In 1997 UNEP proposed an initial list of twelve chemicals designated as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Aldrin, Endrin, Dieldrin, Chordane, DDT, Heptachlor, Toxaphene, Mirex, Hexachlorobenzene, PCBs, Dioxins (PCDDs), Furans (PCDFs). In 2001 additional chemicals were added related to characteristics in lipid solubility, low degradation, high toxicity, constant input: Hexachlorohexane, PAHs, Endosulfan, Pentachlorophenol, Organic forms of Mercury, Tin and Lead, Phtalates, PBDEs\\PBBs, Chlordecone, Alkyl phenols, Atrazine. Sources of PTS are related to (1) release of manufactured products, specially pesticides and materials in contact with food, (2) historical reservoir already existing in the environment, predominantly found in soil, sediments and stockpiles, (3) by products from unintentional generation process, specially unwanted contaminants from industrial or combustion treatments. France was included in the assessment of Mediterranean Region IV. Levels in environmental compartments were reported and human exposure mainly by foods was evaluated by compilation of existing data. Tentative of risk evaluation was performed. Lipids appeared to be the vector of PTS contamination through the food chain. However, information on contaminant levels and trends is still lacking for certain contaminants and media in some areas particularly the South and South‐Eastern basin. An integrated science based approach linking population, activities, emissions, transport and effects in a coherent international cooperative risk assessment framework is needed.

Keywords : PTS, POPs, accumulation, transport, contamination, risks