Serum levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the New Zealand population

The aims of this project are:

1. To obtain data on current serum levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the adult New Zealand population.
2. To compare these levels with previous levels and evaluate temporal trends of POPs in serum in the New Zealand population.
3. To measure for the first time additional POPs (as recommended by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic pollutants) in serum, such as polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE) and perfluorinated compounds, in addition to the dioxins, furans, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides.
4. To study sex, age, geographic region and ethnicity in relation to the levels of POPs in the New Zealand population.
5. To support the Population Health Protection Group deliver its environmental & border health protection work programme in relation to hazardous substances.
6. To assist with implementing New Zealand’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic pollutants.
7. To provide recommendations for prioritising POPs for remedial action in New Zealand.
8. To work with MoH and MfE to develop a framework for ongoing surveying of POPs levels in the New Zealand population.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Coakley J, Bridgen P, Bates M, Douwes J, 't Mannetje A. Chlorinated persistent organic pollutants in serum of New Zealand adults, 2011-2013. Science of the Total Environment, 2018; 615: 624-631.
Coakley J, Bridgen P, Mueller J, Harrad S, Douwes J, 't Mannetje A. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and perfluorinated alkyl substances in blood serum of New Zealand adults, 2011-2013. Chemosphere, 2018; 208:382-389.
't Mannetje A, Coakley J, Douwes J. Where are we at with lead? Current levels, time trend, and determinants of blood lead in New Zealand children and adults. Int J Hyg Environ Health, 2020; 225:113468.