Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins/Dibenzofurans in Microliter Samples of Human Serum as Exposure Indicators

Objective: The objectives were: 1) measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in 100 μL of human serum and 2) assess PAH and PCDD/PCDF as markers of burn pit exposures during military deployments.

Methods: PAHs and PCDDs/PCDFs were analyzed in 100 μL serum samples collected pre- and post-deployment from 200 persons deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan (CASE); 200 persons not deployed (CONTROL) with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results: Naphthalene was found in ∼83% of the samples and was statistically different between post-deployment CASE personnel and pre-deployment. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran were found in ∼38% of samples. Concentrations were significantly different between CASE and CONTROL and between pre- and post-deployment samples.

Conclusions: PAH and PCDD/PCDF in serum can serve as exposure markers and measurements in small volumes is feasible for quantifying exposure to burn pits.