Serum dioxin concentrations in the Lausanne population – A pilot population-based survey

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are ubiquitous in the environment and the main route of exposure for humans is food. A high and widespread soil contamination was discovered in 2021 in Lausanne city. Previous human exposure assessment study showed that consumption of home-produced eggs and cucurbits were dominant exposure scenarios. In the absence of epidemiological data in Switzerland, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 2023 to assess the difference between control (n=50) and exposed (n=51) groups, living in the contaminated area and reporting to consume selected home-produced foods (eggs and cucurbits). We sampled blood serum and asked the participants to fill several questionnaires on their lifestyle and dietary habits.

Primary objective: Assess exposure to PCDD/Fs from dietary intake of foods produced in contaminated areas of Lausanne
Secondary objective: Correlate serum concentrations of endocrine disruptors with the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) response
Third objective: Determine the exposure determinants influencing the serum concentrations of PCDD/Fs and OCPs