Cord blood levels of potentially neurotoxic pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls, lead and cadmium) in the areas of Prague (Czech Republic) and Katowice (Poland). Comparison with reference values in The Netherlands. The Czech/Polish/Dutch/German Research Team.

In a preliminary study the levels of four non-planar polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (118, 138, 153 and 180), and of the toxic metals lead and cadmium, and their antagonist selenium and zinc were measured in cord blood from apparently healthy neonates from the region of Prague and Upper Silezia (Katowice). These "background" levels were compared with similar values from neonates in the Netherlands. It was found that the levels of three PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) were significantly higher in the Prague samples than in the Netherlands; but in the Katowice group they were significantly lower. In Upper Silezia (Katowice) the values of the metals lead and cadmium, and in Prague those of cadmium and selenium were significantly higher than in the Netherlands. The importance of these findings is discussed. It is argued that neurotoxic effects of perinatal exposure can be expected to be more prominent in Central Europe than in Western European countries. A more thorough study is indicated and will be undertaken by a joint Czech/Polish/Dutch/German research group.