Regional variations in human toxics exposure in the USA: an analysis based on the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey.

Regional human exposure was evaluated by examining human tissue chemical concentrations. National Human Adipose Tissue Survey data for 54 toxic substances [pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), semivolatiles, volatiles, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs)], were sorted by United States census divisions. Regional differences in human toxics exposure were found. Based on the data analyzed, it appears that individuals residing in the South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, and East North Central regions may be exposed to greater amounts of toxic substances than those of other regions of the country. Higher concentrations of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and PCDDs in older individuals indicate that these toxics bioaccumulate in human adipose tissue.