Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Pooled Samples

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Date published: 2020-12-14

Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycles 1 (2007–2009), 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017)

1 Introduction
2 Objectives
3 Pooling design and collection
4 Laboratory analyses
5 Statistical data analyses
6 Considerations for interpreting the pooled serum biomonitoring data
- 6.1 Considerations for data analysis
7 Summaries and results for dioxins and furans
- 7.1 Dioxins and furans
8 Summaries and results for flame retardants
9 Summaries and results for organochlorine pesticides
10 Summaries and results for polychlorinated biphenyls
- 10.1 Polychlorinated biphenyls
Appendix A: Limits of detection
Appendix B: Toxic equivalence values for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds

Acknowledgements

This document was made possible by the efforts of the following staff of the National Biomonitoring Program of Health Canada: Annie St-Amand (Section Head), Kate Werry (Report Lead), Jeff Willey (Report Coordinator), Tyler Pollock (Data Coordinator), Alexandre Crew, Sarah Faure, Subramanian Karthikeyan, Christine MacKinnon-Roy, Julie Yome.

The development and implementation of the biomonitoring component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey was achieved through extensive contributions of programs and staff across Health Canada and Statistics Canada. A special thank you goes out to the participants of the survey, without whom this study would not be possible.

1 Introduction

The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) is a national, ongoing, direct health measures survey led by Statistics Canada in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Since its launch in 2007, the survey’s principal objective has been to collect health and wellness data and biological specimens from a nationally representative sample of Canadians. Biological specimens are analyzed for indicators of health status, chronic and infectious diseases, nutritional status and environmental chemicals. This information is important for understanding and detecting emerging trends in risk factors and exposures and advancing health surveillance and research in Canada.

The survey is conducted in two-year cycles, with each cycle comprising data collected from approximately 5,800 Canadians aged 3–79 at 16 collection sites across Canada. The collection sites vary from cycle to cycle and are stratified in five regions of Canada (the Atlantic provinces, Québec, Ontario, the Prairie provinces and British Columbia). The CHMS is designed as a cross-sectional survey that is representative of approximately 96%–97% of the Canadian population (Statistics Canada, 2010; Statistics Canada, 2015; Statistics Canada, 2017; Statistics Canada, 2019). Detailed descriptions of the CHMS rationale, survey design, target population, ethical considerations and sampling strategy have been published elsewhere (Beck et al., 2018; Day et al., 2007; Giroux, 2007; Labrecque and Quigley, 2014; Labrecque and Quigley, 2016; Statistics Canada, 2010; Statistics Canada, 2015; Statistics Canada, 2017; Statistics Canada, 2019; Tremblay et al., 2007).

Biological specimen: a sample of material derived from a survey participant, such as blood, urine, saliva, DNA, hair or nail clippings

Environmental chemical: a chemical substance, either human-made or natural, that is present in the environment and to which humans may be exposed through air, water, food, soil, dust or consumer products

Individual sample: a biological specimen from a single survey participant

Persistent organic pollutants: human-made or natural organic compounds that, once released into the environment, remain intact for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissues of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health and/or the environment

Pooled sample: a single sample containing a combination of multiple individual samples selected using a set of grouping criteria, such as age or sex (in this report, the term "pooled sample" is also referred to as "pool")

Serum: the fluid component of blood plasma remaining after clot formation

The CHMS biomonitoring component measures environmental chemicals and/or their metabolites in survey participants’ blood, urine and hair. During the first five cycles of the CHMS, data for approximately 200 environmental chemicals were collected in individual samples. These data — along with background information on the selection and prioritization of environmental chemicals — have been published in Health Canada’s reports on human biomonitoring of environmental chemicals (Health Canada, 2010; Health Canada, 2015; Health Canada, 2017; Health Canada, 2019). Select persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), were measured in individual plasma samples from cycle 1 (2007–2009) (Health Canada, 2010). The concentrations detected in these individual samples were frequently below the limits of detection, thereby limiting the ability to develop national means for several of these compounds. Pooling samples was proposed as a cost-effective approach to address the issue of low detection levels.

This report presents national data on the concentrations of environmental chemicals measured in pooled serum collected from Canadians from 2007–2017. Pooled serum samples were included in the biomonitoring component of cycles 1, 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017) of the CHMS. Measurement in pooled serum samples was carried out for 84 environmental chemicals in cycle 1 and for 54 environmental chemicals in cycles 3, 4 and 5. Pooled serum samples were also included in cycle 6 (2018–2019). Collection for cycle 6 was completed in late 2019 and planning for future cycles is under way.

A full list of the chemicals measured in pooled serum as part of four cycles of the CHMS from 2007–2017 is presented in Table 1.1. Note that pooled serum was not included as part of cycle 2 (2009–2011).

Table 1.1
Chemicals measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey from 2007–2017
Chemical	Cycle 1 (2007–2009)	Cycle 3 (2012–2013)	Cycle 4 (2014–2015)	Cycle 5 (2016–2017)
Dioxins
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Furans
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flame retardants
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flame retardants: Hexabromocyclododecane
alpha-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
beta-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flame retardants: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
4,4'-Dibromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 15)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',4-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 17)	Yes	No	No	No
2,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 28)	Yes	No	No	No
3,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 37)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 47)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 66)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3',4',6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 71)	Yes	No	No	No
2,4,4′,6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 75)	Yes	No	No	No
3,3′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 77)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2’,3,4,4’-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 85)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',4,4',5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 99)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',4,4',6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 100)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3′,4,4′,6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 119)	Yes	No	No	No
3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 126)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 138)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 153)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2’,4,4’,5,6’-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 154)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3,3',4,5,6-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 160)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2′,3,4,4′,5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 181)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 183)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3,3',4,4',5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 190)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6-Octabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 205)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Organochlorine pesticides
Hexachlorobenzene	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mirex	Yes	No	No	No
Organochlorine pesticides: Chlordane
trans-Nonachlor	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Oxychlordane	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Organochlorine pesticides: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
o,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (o,p'-DDE)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT)	Yes	No	No	No
Organochlorine pesticides: Endosulfan
α-Endosulfan (Endosulfan I)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
β-Endosulfan (Endosulfan II)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Polychlorinated biphenyls
2,2',5-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 18)	Yes	No	No	No
2,4,4'-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 28)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',4,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 49)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 66)	Yes	No	No	No
2,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 74)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 99)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',4,5,5'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 101)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3,3’,4’,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 110)	Yes	No	No	No
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 123)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',3,3',4,4'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 128)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 138)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',3,4,5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 141)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 146)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 157)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 167)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',3,3',4,4',5-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 170)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',3,3',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 178)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',3,4,4',5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 183)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 187)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 189)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 194)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 195)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,3',4,5',6,6'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 201)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 203)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6-Nonachlorobiphenyl (PCB 206)	Yes	No	No	No
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decachlorobiphenyl (PCB 209)	Yes	No	No	No

Sections 2–6 of this report describe the design and implementation of the pooled serum biomonitoring component of the CHMS. These are followed by descriptive summaries for each chemical or chemical group, outlining chemical identities, common uses, occurrences in the environment, potential sources of exposure in the human population, toxicokinetics and health effects, Canadian regulatory status and existing Canadian biomonitoring data. Information on the general CHMS survey and the biomonitoring component (individual samples) has been published previously (Health Canada, 2010; Health Canada, 2013; Health Canada, 2015; Health Canada, 2017; Health Canada, 2019; Statistics Canada, 2020). A complete list of chemicals that have been measured or are planned for measurement in pooled and individual blood and urine samples collected as part of the CHMS is available online (Health Canada, 2020).

Data tables specific to each chemical are provided below the relevant summaries. The tables are broken down by age group and sex, and contain descriptive statistics on the distribution of pooled serum concentrations in the sample population. Data from all cycles are presented together in tables for ease of comparison. Downloadable tables are available in comma-separated values (CSV) format through the Government of Canada's open data portal.

Data from all components of the CHMS are available to scientists through Statistics Canada's Research Data Centres Program, and are a resource for additional scientific analyses. Further information about the CHMS can be obtained by contacting Statistics Canada at infostats@canada.ca.

References

Beck, K., Giroux, S., and Tremblay, M. (2018). Sampling documentation for cycle 5 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Statistics Canada (internal document).

Day, B., Langlois, R., Tremblay, M., and Knoppers, B. (2007). Canadian Health Measures Survey: Sampling strategy overview. Health Reports, Special Issue Supplement, 18, 31–35. Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82-003-S.

Giroux, S. (2007). Canadian Health Measures Survey: Sampling strategy overview. Health Reports, Special Issue Supplement, 18, 31–35. Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82-003-S.

Health Canada (2010). Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 1 (2007–2009). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

Health Canada (2013). Second Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 2 (2009–2011). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

Health Canada (2015). Third Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 3 (2012–2013). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

Health Canada (2017). Fourth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 4 (2014–2015). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

Health Canada (2019). Fifth Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Canada: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 5 (2016–2017). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

Health Canada (2020). Biomonitoring Content Summary for the Canadian Health Measures Survey: Cycles 1–6 (2007–2019). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved October 14, 2020.

Labrecque, F., and Quigley, A. (2014). Sampling documentation for cycle 3 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Statistics Canada (internal document).

Labrecque F., and Quigley, A. (2016). Sampling documentation for cycle 4 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Statistics Canada internal document.

Statistics Canada (2010). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 1. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@canada.ca).

Statistics Canada (2015). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 3. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@canada.ca).

Statistics Canada (2017). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 4. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@statcan.gc.ca).

Statistics Canada (2019). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 5. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@canada.ca).

Statistics Canada (2020). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Ottawa, ON.

Tremblay, M., Wolfson, M., & Connor Gorber, S. (2007). Canadian Health Measures Survey: Rationale, background and overview. Health Reports, Special Issue Supplement, 18, 7–20. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 82-003-S.

2 Objectives

The primary purpose of the pooled serum biomonitoring component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) is to provide estimates of environmental chemical concentrations in the Canadian population. These estimates can be used to assess chemical exposures and develop policies to reduce Canadians' exposure to toxic chemicals to protect their health.

The pooled serum biomonitoring component was added to the survey to enable analyses of certain environmental chemicals — namely persistent organohalogens — that are difficult to quantify in individual samples. In individual samples, the small blood volume available and low concentrations generally result in a low frequency of detectable results. In addition, the cost of sensitive analytical methods for measuring these persistent organohalogens can be prohibitive. These limitations are addressed by pooling samples: the pools produce larger sample volumes and reduce the number of samples being analyzed, thereby enabling the use of more sensitive analytical techniques, reducing overall costs and increasing the detection frequency such that national estimates of chemical concentrations can be established.

Specific uses of the CHMS pooled serum biomonitoring data include:

establishing baseline concentrations of chemicals in Canadians
providing information for setting priorities and taking action to reduce Canadians' exposure to environmental chemicals and protect their health
assessing the effectiveness of health and environmental risk management actions intended to reduce exposures and health risks from specific chemicals
contributing to international monitoring programs, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

3 Pooling design and collection

The pooled serum biomonitoring component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) was designed to address the need for nationally representative data on current population exposures to persistent organohalogens in Canada. This information is important in understanding exposure to risk factors, detecting emerging trends in risk factors and exposures, and advancing health surveillance and research in Canada.

The strategy for creating pools was developed by Statistics Canada (Verret and Giroux, 2010) and designed to meet three specific criteria:

allow estimates for each age group and sex
yield estimates with as little bias as possible
provide quality indicators or measures of variance

This section provides an overview of the sample size and allocation, blood collection, pool formation and methodology, and variance estimation.

3.1 Sample size and allocation

To meet the objective of producing reliable estimates at the national level by age group and sex, the CHMS requires a sample of at least 500 persons in each of the six age groups (3–5, 6–11, 12–19, 20–39, 40–59 and 60–79 years) and of each sex (except in the 3–5-year group), for a total of 11 groups. Cycle 1 (2007–2009) did not include the 3–5-year age group, and subsequent cycles were not designed to provide estimates for the individual sexes for this age group.

Participants were sampled from 16 collection sites across Canada. Within each cycle, collection sites were allocated to the five Canadian regions in proportion to population size, with two sites allocated to the Atlantic region (except in cycle 1, where only one site was allocated), four to the Québec region, six to the Ontario region, two to the Prairies region and two to British Columbia.

3.2 Blood collection

Biospecimen collection for the CHMS was carried out with consenting survey participants through visits to mobile examination centres (MECs). Detailed descriptions of the MEC operations and logistics for cycles 1, 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017) have been published (Bryan et al., 2007; Statistics Canada, 2010; Statistics Canada, 2015; Statistics Canada, 2017; Statistics Canada, 2019).

Some CHMS participants were randomly selected to fast prior to their MEC appointments. Those selected were required to fast for at least 10 hours. Shorter fasting durations were allowed for others. Pregnant women, people with diabetes, children under six years of age, and other special cases were not asked to fast even if they had initially been flagged for fasting. The target fasted subsample size was 2,500 participants aged 6–79 for each cycle.

All blood specimens collected in the MEC were processed and aliquoted in the MEC. Blood specimens were drawn by a certified phlebotomist; the maximum amount depended upon the age of the participant and consent to storage. The approximate volumes drawn over cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 ranged from 22.0 mL in 3–5-year-olds to 83.0 mL in 20–79-year-olds (Health Canada, 2010; Health Canada, 2015; Health Canada, 2017; Health Canada, 2019).

For the pooled serum biomonitoring component, blood was collected in Vacutainer Serum Separator Tubes and centrifuged to separate serum. In cycles 3, 4 and 5, a minimum volume of 0.5 mL of serum from each participant was aliquoted, and samples were then frozen for storage in the MEC. To maintain sample integrity, all specimens were stored as soon as processing was complete. A four-hour time limit from the point of collection was set for blood samples to be processed and stored; however, for most samples, this was completed within two hours. Once a week, the specimens were shipped on dry ice to the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada). Samples were stored at -80°C until ready for pooling and analyses.

In cycle 1, the pooled serum biomonitoring component was conducted as a secondary study to the original survey. The serum samples used to create the pools were the volume (approximately 0.4 mL per individual) remaining after nutritional biomarker analyses were complete. These serum samples were shipped on dry ice to the reference laboratory in the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada) for pooling and analyses. Samples were stored at -80°C until ready for extraction and analyses.

3.3 Pool formation and methodology

To simplify laboratory handling and minimize errors related to pooling, the pools were created using the same quantity of specimen from each participant. This approach limited the total quantity of specimen available for the pools. For cycle 1, it was determined that 0.35 mL of serum was available per participant. For the analyses in that cycle, a minimum volume of 25 mL of serum was required per pool to measure contaminant concentration levels. This meant that the pools required serum from at least 71 individuals. In an effort to account for all forms of non-response, serum from 80 participants was combined. “Non-response” included insufficient volume, sample loss during handling, and individual refusal to participate in future studies or share data with Health Canada.

Given these constraints, 59 pools were formed for cycle 1. The pools were distributed by sex and age groups (6–11, 12–19, 20–39, 40–59 and 60–79 years) and did not consider fasting status. The pools comprised specimens from 57–120 individuals, corresponding to total serum pool volumes of 20–42 mL (mean: 27.2 mL) and a total of 4,583 individual participants. Some pools had a high number of individuals with insufficient serum volume, resulting in less than the targeted minimum of 71 individuals.

A similar pooling protocol was used for cycles 3, 4 and 5, with 0.35 mL serum from each participant used to create pools of at least 80 participants with a minimum total volume of 25 mL. To ensure the minimum target of 71 individuals was met for each pool, participants for whom no blood was collected (or where the remaining volume of serum was less than 0.35 mL) were dropped prior to creating the pools. In all, 65 pools were formed for cycle 3 and 67 for cycles 4 and 5. The pools were distributed by age groups (3–5, 6–11, 12–19, 20–39, 40–59 and 60–79 years) and sex (except for those aged 3–5 years). Each pool comprised 71–133 individuals from the approximately 5,500 participants.

Table 3.3.1 provides the number of participants participating in the study and the number of pools formed for each target group in the survey.

Table 3.3.1
Number of participants and pools formed for each target age and sex group in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1 (2007–2009), cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017)
Cycle	Participants	Pools	Participants/ pool
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	5,528	65	75–133
4 (2014–2015)	5,504	67	71–127
5 (2016–2017)	5,409	67	71–123
Total, 6-79 years
1 (2007–2009)	4,583	59	57–120
3 (2012–2013)	5,063	59	75–133
4 (2014–2015)	5,027	61	71–127
5 (2016–2017)	4,930	61	71–123
Females, 6-79 years
1 (2007–2009)	2,407	30	57–108
3 (2012–2013)	2,521	29	75–125
4 (2014–2015)	2,517	31	71–121
5 (2016–2017)	2,456	31	71–119
Males, 6-79 years
1 (2007–2009)	2,176	29	61–120
3 (2012–2013)	2,542	30	75–133
4 (2014–2015)	2,510	30	75–127
5 (2016–2017)	2,474	30	74–123
3-5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	465	6	75–85
4 (2014–2015)	477	6	75–92
5 (2016–2017)	479	6	74–104
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	801	10	67–105
3 (2012–2013)	934	11	75–117
4 (2014–2015)	924	12	75–84
5 (2016–2017)	909	12	71–85
12-19 years
1 (2007–2009)	786	10	64–108
3 (2012–2013)	978	12	75–112
4 (2014–2015)	982	12	75–100
5 (2016–2017)	986	12	72–123
20-39 years
1 (2007–2009)	992	13	68–102
3 (2012–2013)	1,038	12	75–125
4 (2014–2015)	1,075	13	71–118
5 (2016–2017)	1,047	13	71–114
40-59 years
1 (2007–2009)	1,079	14	64–90
3 (2012–2013)	1,071	12	75–133
4 (2014–2015)	1,050	12	75–127
5 (2016–2017)	1,001	12	75–116
60-79 years
1 (2007–2009)	925	12	57–120
3 (2012–2013)	1,042	12	75–124
4 (2014–2015)	996	12	75–107
5 (2016–2017)	987	12	75–108
NA: data not available as participants under the age of six were not included in cycle 1

The method for creating the pools was developed by Statistics Canada (Verret and Giroux, 2010) and approved by the Health Canada Research Ethics Board. The method took into account the survey design and aimed to produce mean estimates as close as possible to those obtained for individual data (Verret and Giroux 2010).

The CHMS is a sample survey, meaning that the participants represent many other Canadians not surveyed. To ensure the results would be representative of the entire population, Statistics Canada generated sample weights for each group of pooled samples and incorporated them into all estimates presented in the data tables (e.g., arithmetic means). The pool survey weights were calculated from the survey weights for each participant included in the pool. An adjustment factor was applied to correct for the survey weights of omitted participants. Participants were omitted if they were considered non-responsive, usually due to insufficient volume, sample loss during handling, or refusal to participate in future studies or share data with Health Canada.

3.4 Variance estimation

The theory of dependent random groups was used to calculate an estimate of the variance with a conservative bias (Särndal et al., 1992; Verret and Giroux, 2010). In this method, two replicates (dependent random groups) were created, with each replicate including all age–sex groups and an equal number of collection sites randomly assigned from each of the five CHMS regions (the Atlantic provinces, Québec, Ontario, the Prairie provinces and British Columbia). In cycle 1, only one collection site was sampled in the Atlantic region; as such, it was grouped with the Québec region prior to being assigned to a replicate. In cycles 3, 4 and 5, the Atlantic region included two collection sites; as a result, no grouping of regions was required. Once formed, the replicates were adjusted so that an estimate from each would reflect the Canadian population. The serum pools were then constructed with individuals from the sites assigned to that replicate for each age and sex combination.

A simulation study was carried out to measure the stability of the point estimates (arithmetic mean) and variance estimates (coefficient of variation [CV]) for data obtained from pooled samples (Verret and Giroux, 2010). The pooling strategy was simulated from a subsample of individual measurements from cycle 1. Based upon this study, the CV of the arithmetic mean was stable, which indicates that the point estimates themselves are stable. However, the variance estimates obtained from the dependent random groups were found to be very unstable. As such, the CV should only be considered accurate within an order of magnitude. Other measures of variance estimation, such as confidence intervals — or statistical approaches that rely on variance, such as hypothesis testing — should be avoided. This includes drawing definitive conclusions when comparing results over cycles or with other biomonitoring surveys. Despite the unstable variance estimation resulting from sample pooling, the point estimates provided here are considered accurate and reliable.

3.5 Missing data

Missing data in the CHMS pooled serum biomonitoring data set refers to pools for which the concentration of a chemical is unknown due to sample loss resulting from issues encountered during laboratory analyses. While every effort was made to minimize sample loss, issues during analyses were often the result of human error. Sources of sample loss included issues with sample handling, sample preparation and instrumentation. Differences in laboratory methods resulted in some chemicals being more susceptible to losses. For example, in each cycle of the CHMS, data were missing for up to seven pools in the dioxin, furan and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl analyses while data were missing for at most one pool from the polychlorinated biphenyl analyses.

Concentrations presented in the data tables of this report for chemicals impacted by sample loss were calculated using imputed values for the missing data. Specifically, values for these pools were imputed using the weighted mean of available results for the age/sex group that the missing pool represented. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the point estimates, imputation by the mean was limited to a weighted maximum of 10% of pools for each target population for which data are presented. Imputation also impacts variance estimation; additional caution should be exercised when interpreting the CV for groups with missing pools and imputed data. Arithmetic means and other descriptive statistics and quality indicators were not calculated for population groups impacted by significant sample loss.

References

Bryan, S., St-Denis, M., Wojtas, D. (2007). Canadian Health Measures Survey: Clinic operations and logistics. Health Reports, Special Issue Supplement, 18, 53–69. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 82-003-S.

Särndal, C.-E., Swensson, B., Wretman, J. (1992). Model assisted survey sampling. New York: Springer-Verlag, Inc.

Statistics Canada (2010). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 1. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@canada.ca).

Statistics Canada (2015). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 3. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@canada.ca).

Statistics Canada (2017). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 4. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@statcan.gc.ca).

Statistics Canada (2019). Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Data User Guide: Cycle 5. Ottawa, ON. Available upon request (infostats@canada.ca).

Verret, F., and Giroux, S. (2010). La formation de pools de sérums de sang pour l’analyse dans l’Enquête canadienne sur les mesures de la santé. Assemblée annuelle de la SSC.

4 Laboratory analyses

Laboratory analyses of environmental chemicals were performed at Health Canada analytical laboratories. The laboratories developed standardized operating procedures for the analytical methods used to measure environmental chemicals or their metabolites in serum pools. Analytical accuracy and measurement precision were evaluated through rigorous method validation programs at each laboratory.

To ensure ongoing accuracy and precision of results, several quality control measures were employed as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). The methods and quality control protocols used in the analyses of the environmental chemicals are described below.

4.1 Dioxins, furans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin), polychlorinated dibenzofuran (furan) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) analyses in serum pools from cycle 1 (2007–2009) were performed by the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). The analytical methods and quality control procedures for cycle 1 are described in detail elsewhere (Rawn et al., 2012). Dioxin, furan and dioxin-like PCB analyses in serum pools from cycles 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017) were performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada) (Health Canada, 2019a).

These analyses measured seven dioxin congeners, 10 furan congeners and four coplanar dioxin-like PCBs in all four cycles. Pooled serum samples were aliquoted and spiked with isotopically labelled standards of dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs. Samples were then homogenized in a mixture of ethanol, saturated aqueous ammonium sulfate and hexane. Solvent was extracted and digested in concentrated sulphuric acid to remove lipids. Samples were then subjected to secondary clean-up and fractionation via tandem cesium silicate and Florisil columns followed by carbon columns. Recovery standards were added to the final sample extract. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using high-resolution >gas chromatography/high-resolution selected ion mass spectrometry (GC/HRMS). Quality control was ensured by evaluating a reagent blank and a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material (SRM) with every sample batch. The laboratory also participated in the Interlaboratory Comparison Program for Dioxins and Furans in Serum offered by the Centre de toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ) (INSPQ, 2020b). The results of the quality control measures from reference materials and external assessment programs were consistently within the acceptable ranges set by the proficiency testing providers.

4.2 Flame retardants

4.2.1 Hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) analyses in serum pools from cycle 1 were performed by the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). Analytical methods and quality control procedures for cycle 1 are described in detail elsewhere (Rawn et al., 2014). HBCD and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) analyses in serum pools from cycles 3, 4 and 5 were performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada) (Health Canada, 2018a). These analyses measured three HBCD isomers (α-HBCD, β-HBCD and γ-HBCD) in all four cycles and TBBPA in cycles 3, 4 and 5. Pooled serum samples were aliquoted and spiked with isotopically labelled standards of each analyte. Samples were extracted using a hexane and tert-butyl methyl ether solution. The resulting extract was passed through an acidified silica gel column to collect a first fraction containing HBCD eluted with hexane and a second fraction containing TBBPA eluted with dichloromethane. The two fractions were then subjected to secondary clean-up with sulphuric acid and reconstituted in a methanol and water solution. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Quality control was ensured by evaluating in-house pooled serum spiked with HBCD and TBBPA standards with every sample batch. Results of in-house quality control measures were consistently within the acceptable ranges set by the laboratory (± 30%).

4.2.2 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) analyses in serum pools from cycle 1 were performed by the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). Analytical methods and quality control procedures for cycle 1 are described in detail elsewhere (Rawn et al., 2014). PBDE analyses in serum pools from cycles 3, 4 and 5 were performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada) (Health Canada, 2019b). These analyses measured 23 PBDEs in cycle 1 and five PBDEs in cycles 3, 4 and 5. Pooled serum samples were aliquoted and spiked with isotopically labelled standards of PBDEs. Samples were then homogenized in a mixture of ethanol, saturated aqueous ammonium sulfate and hexane. Solvent was extracted and digested in concentrated sulphuric acid to remove lipids. Samples were then subjected to secondary clean-up and fractionation via tandem cesium silicate and Florisil columns followed by a carbon column. Recovery standards were added to the final sample extract. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using high-resolution GC/HRMS. Quality control was ensured by evaluating a reagent blank and a NIST SRM with every sample batch. The laboratory also participated in the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Ring Test for Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Serum offered by the CTQ, INSPQ, Québec, Canada (INSPQ, 2020a). The results of quality control measures from reference materials and external assessment programs were consistently within the acceptable ranges set by the proficiency testing providers.

4.3 Organochlorine pesticides

Organochlorine pesticide and metabolite analyses in serum pools from cycle 1 were performed by the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). Analytical methods and quality control procedures for cycle 1 were the same as those conducted for the measurement of PCBs and are described in detail elsewhere (Rawn et al., 2012). Organochlorine analyses in serum pools from cycles 3, 4 and 5 were performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada) (Health Canada, 2018b). These analyses measured hexachlorobenzene, trans-nonachlor (a chlordane component), oxychlordane (a chlordane metabolite), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (a dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolite) in all four cycles. Also measured were mirex and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane in cycle 1, as well as endosulfan (endosulfan I and II) and another dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolite (o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) in cycles 3, 4 and 5. Pooled serum samples were aliquoted and spiked with isotopically labelled standards of each analyte. Samples were then extracted using a mixture of ethanol, saturated aqueous ammonium sulfate, and hexane. The organic fraction was isolated using liquid–liquid extraction. Samples were then subjected to secondary clean-up via gel permeation chromatography using a porous cross-linked polystyrene polymer gel and cyclohexane-dichloromethane. Samples were transferred to autosampler vials and reconstituted in nonane. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) with MRM. Quality control was ensured by evaluating a reagent blank and a NIST SRM with every sample batch. The laboratory also participated in the AMAP Ring Test for Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Serum offered by the CTQ, INSPQ, Québec, Canada (INSPQ, 2020a). Results of quality control measures from reference materials and external assessment programs were consistently within the acceptable ranges set by the proficiency testing providers.

4.4 Polychlorinated biphenyls

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) analyses in serum pools from cycle 1 were performed by the Food Research Division at Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). Analytical methods and quality control procedures for cycle 1 are described in detail elsewhere (Rawn et al., 2012). PCB analyses in serum pools from cycles 3, 4 and 5 were performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada) (Health Canada, 2019c). These analyses measured 32 PCBs in cycle 1 and 17 PCBs in cycles 3, 4 and 5. Pooled serum samples were aliquoted and spiked with isotopically labelled standards of PCBs. Samples were then homogenized in a mixture of ethanol, saturated aqueous ammonium sulfate and hexane. Solvent was extracted and digested in concentrated sulphuric acid to remove lipids. Samples were then subjected to secondary clean-up and fractionation via tandem cesium silicate and Florisil columns. Recovery standards were added to the final sample extract. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using high-resolution GC/HRMS. Quality control was ensured by evaluating a reagent blank and a NIST SRM with every sample batch. The laboratory also participated in the AMAP Ring Test for Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Serum offered by the CTQ, INSPQ, Québec, Canada (INSPQ, 2020a). Results of quality control measures from reference materials and external assessment programs were consistently within the acceptable ranges set by the proficiency testing providers.

4.5 Lipids

Lipid content determination of serum pools from cycle 1 was performed by the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). Lipid content determination of serum pools from cycles 3, 4 and 5 was performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (Ontario, Canada). This analysis measured the weight of lipid relative to the weight of serum. Lipid content was determined gravimetrically in cycles 1, 3 and 5. The crude sample was extracted in hexane and dried under a gentle stream of high-purity nitrogen to achieve a constant weight. Following lipid determination, samples were re-dissolved in hexane before proceeding with the chemical analyses. In cycle 4, lipid content was determined following a modified version of the AOAC official method 996.06 (AOAC, 2001). Serum pools were aliquoted and lipids were hydrolyzed with a mixture of hydrochloric acid and ethanol, then extracted with a mixture of hexane and ethyl ether. The extracted fatty acids were methylated in a transesterification process using boron trifluoride in methanol. Finally, quantification was performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection before an empirical correction (based on the analysis of AMAP proficiency test samples) was applied to account for lipids not captured by the above transesterification process. Measures of lipid content were comparable across all four cycles.

References

AOAC International (2001). Fat (total, saturated and unsaturated) in foods, hydrolytic extraction gas chromatographic method, 18th Edition, AOAC Official Method 996.06.

Health Canada (2018a). Analytical method report for the determination of α, β, γ–Hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A in human serum. Food Laboratory Toronto, Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch, Health Canada, Toronto, ON.

Health Canada (2018b). Analytical method report for the determination of organochlorine pesticides and metabolites in human serum. Food Laboratory Toronto, Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch, Health Canada, Toronto, ON.

Health Canada (2019a). Method of analysis for polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (coplanar-PCBs). Food Laboratory Toronto, Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch, Health Canada, Toronto, ON.

Health Canada (2019b). Method of analysis for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Food Laboratory Toronto, Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch, Health Canada, Toronto, ON.

Health Canada (2019c). Method of analysis for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Food Laboratory Toronto, Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch, Health Canada, Toronto, ON.

INSPQ (Institut national de santé publique Québec) (2020a). AMAP Ring Test for Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Serum. Retrieved March 19, 2020.

INSPQ (Institut national de santé publique Québec) (2020b). Interlaboratory Comparison Program for Dioxin Furans in Serum. Retrieved March 19, 2020.

Rawn, D.F., Ryan, J.J., Sadler, A.R., Sun, W.F., Haines, D., Macey, K., Van Oostdam, J. (2012). PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in sera from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) from 2007 to 2009. Environment International, 47, 48–55.

Rawn, D.K.F., Ryan, J.J., Sadler, A.R., Sun, W.-F., Weber, D., Laffey, P., Haines, D., Macey, K., van Oostdam, J. (2014). Brominated flame retardant concentrations in sera from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) from 2007 to 2009. Environment International, 63, 26–34.

5 Statistical data analyses

Descriptive statistics and quality indicators for the concentrations of environmental chemicals in pooled samples were generated using the Statistical Analysis System software (SAS Institute Inc., version 9.4, 2013).

Data tables are presented for each chemical measured in pooled samples from cycle 1 (2007–2009), 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and/or 5 (2016–2017). The tables include the total number of pools, the minimum concentrations, the maximum concentrations, the weighted arithmetic means and the coefficients of variation (CVs) associated with the arithmetic means. For each chemical, results are presented for the total population aged 6–79 in cycle 1; aged 3–79 in cycles 3, 4 and 5; and in some cases, both, for comparison purposes. Results are also presented by age group and sex. LODs for each chemical and survey cycle are provided alongside the respective data table and collectively in Appendix A. LODs are provided in lipid-adjusted units. Some chemicals measured in pooled serum have constant LODs across all samples analyzed. This includes organochlorine pesticides and metabolites, hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A in cycles 3, 4 and 5. For these chemicals, the LOD value is provided alongside the respective data tables and in Appendix A. Other chemicals have an individual LOD for each pool, as the LOD can vary based on the amount of pooled serum analyzed and with daily fluctuations in instrument performance. This includes all chemicals in cycle 1 and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in cycles 3, 4 and 5. For these chemicals, the mean LOD values for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are provided alongside the respective data tables and in Appendix A. The LOD range (minimum to maximum) is also provided in Appendix A for cycles 3, 4 and 5.

Measurements that fell below the LOD for the laboratory analytical method were assigned a value equal to half the constant LOD or the individual LOD, depending on the type of LOD reported. Pools with missing data due to sample loss were assigned a value equal to the weighted mean of available results for the age/sex group that the missing pool represented. If the proportion of results below the LOD was greater than 40% or the weighted proportion of results with data missing was greater than 10%, arithmetic means were not calculated. When the result for at least one pool was below the LOD, the minimum concentration was reported as <LOD. When the results for all pools were below the LOD, the maximum concentration was also reported as <LOD. For most chemicals, the maximum concentration presented is a measured value. However, there are some instances where the maximum LOD was over twice the highest measured concentration and, as a result, the maximum concentration presented is an imputed LOD.

The environmental chemicals measured in serum pools are lipophilic and concentrate in the body’s lipid stores, including in serum. Lipid content of the serum pools was measured at the time of sample analysis. Data for these chemicals were adjusted for lipid content and are presented as the weight of chemical per gram of lipid. Separate tables present unadjusted data as the weight of chemical per whole weight of serum to allow for comparison with studies using these units.

Under the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is required to ensure participant confidentiality. Most estimates presented in the data tables are based on a small number of pooled samples. However, since many individual participants are represented in these pooled samples, it is not possible to extract information about any one individual. Therefore, point estimates based on a small number of pooled samples are not suppressed.

6 Considerations for interpreting the pooled serum biomonitoring data

The pooled serum biomonitoring component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) was designed to provide estimates of environmental chemical concentrations in the Canadian population. The survey is nationally representative. The first cycle covers approximately 96% of the Canadian population aged 6–79, while subsequent cycles cover approximately 96%–97% of the Canadian population aged 3–79. The pools were created across collection sites; as such, the pooling strategy does not permit breakdown of data by region, province or collection site. In addition, the CHMS design did not target specific exposure scenarios; consequently, it did not select or exclude participants on the basis of their potential for low or high exposures to environmental chemicals.

Biomonitoring in pooled samples provides an estimate of how much of a chemical is present in a population. The absence of a chemical does not necessarily mean a population has not been exposed. While the ability to measure environmental chemicals at very low concentrations has advanced in recent years, the technology may not be capable of detecting current exposures for certain chemicals.

While most persistent organohalogens are measured as the parent compound or specific congener, some organochlorines are measured as metabolites. Parent compounds may be broken down or metabolized in the body into one or more metabolites. For example, the organochlorine pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is broken down into several metabolites, including dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane.

Biomonitoring cannot tell us the source or route of exposure. The amount of chemical measured indicates the total amount that has entered the population via all routes (ingestion, inhalation and skin contact) and from all sources (air, water, soil, food and consumer products). The detection of the chemical may be the result of exposure to a single source or multiple sources. In addition, in most cases, biomonitoring cannot distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources. Some chemicals, such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans), occur naturally in the environment and are also present in human-made products. While it is not possible to attribute exposures to specific sources or routes, CHMS data from individual samples have been used to support research on the predictors of exposure to certain chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Singh et al., 2019). However, the pooling of samples limits the ability to examine these links, as the pooling design did not consider predictors of exposure.

The presence alone of a chemical in a population does not necessarily mean it will cause a health effect. Factors such as the dose, the toxicity of the chemical and the duration and timing of exposure are important to determine whether potential adverse health effects may occur. CHMS data from individual samples have been used as evidence to support research on the potential links between exposure to certain chemicals and specific health effects. However, the pooling of samples limits the ability to examine these links, as health end points were not considered in the pooling design.

For some chemicals, such as PCBs, research studies have provided a general understanding of the population-level health risks associated with different concentrations in blood (ANSES, 2010). From a screening perspective, biomonitoring equivalents (BEs) have been developed based upon existing exposure guidance values, and are a tool to help interpret biomonitoring data in a health-risk context at the population level (Hays et al., 2008). BEs have been used to screen existing biomonitoring data from the CHMS (Faure et al., 2020; St-Amand et al., 2014). However, for many chemicals, further research is needed to understand the potential health effects, if any, associated with different blood concentrations. Further, certain populations — such as children, pregnant women, the elderly or those who are immunocompromised — may be more susceptible to the effects of exposure.

6.1 Considerations for data analysis

Pooled serum data from cycle 1 (2007–2009) for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) were published previously (Rawn et al., 2012; Rawn et al., 2014). The statistical approach used by Statistics Canada in the development of the data included in these previous publications differs from that used in the current report. In addition, there was a problem identified with the original imputation of measurements that fell below the limits of detection (LODs) used by Rawn et al., that has been rectified for this report. As a result, the previously published data are not directly comparable with the data presented in this report.

6.1.1 Instability of variance estimates

Estimates such as the arithmetic mean from a sample survey inevitably include sampling errors. Measurements of the possible scope of sampling errors are based on the standard error of the estimates drawn from the survey results. To get a better indication of the size of the standard error, it is often more useful to express the standard error in terms of the estimate being measured. The resulting measure, the coefficient of variation (CV), is obtained by dividing the standard deviation of the estimate by the estimate itself, and is expressed as a percentage of the estimate. For the pooled serum biomonitoring component of the CHMS, variance estimates including CVs are unstable due to the small number of pools (57–69) and collection sites (15–16) for each cycle. Without stable CVs, it is not recommended to generate confidence interval estimates or to conduct hypothesis testing.

The instability of the CVs limits the extent of analyses that can be done with pooled serum data from the CHMS. The CHMS pooled serum biomonitoring data set includes arithmetic means and accompanying CVs for the total population and subpopulations (sex and age group) for the substances measured in cycle 1 (2007–2009), cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). It is important to note that although arithmetic means may be compared across cycles or among subpopulations, it is not possible to definitively conclude whether they are statistically or meaningfully different from each other without the option of generating confidence intervals or conducting hypothesis testing. Therefore, caution must be exercised when interpreting the data. This is especially the case for comparisons of arithmetic means with high CVs.

The following guidelines, adapted from those used by Statistics Canada, are provided for interpreting arithmetic means based on their CVs:

When a CV is below 16.6%, an arithmetic mean may be considered reliable.
When a CV is between 16.6% and 33.3%, an arithmetic mean may be considered less reliable due to the high sampling variability associated with the estimate; data should be used with caution.
When a CV is greater than 33.3%, an arithmetic mean may be considered the least reliable due to the very high sampling variability associated with the estimate; data should be used with a high degree of caution.

Some arithmetic means were calculated using imputed data to account for missing pools. Additional caution should be exercised when interpreting the CV for these arithmetic means as imputation can impact variance estimation.

6.1.2 Variation between cycles

For those chemicals measured in multiple cycles, it is important to note that changes in analytical methods across cycles may contribute to variations in results. The LODs for certain analytical methods have changed from cycle to cycle as a result of improvements to analytical methods (Appendix A). As a result, there may be some instances where results were reported as <LOD in a past cycle and as a concentration >LOD in a more recent cycle. This difference in LODs should be considered when interpreting data from multiple cycles.

6.1.3 Comparability with individual data

Pooled sample data are equivalent to the arithmetic mean of the results from each individual sample in the pool. In individual samples, estimates of central tendency are best made using a geometric mean due to the log-normal distribution of the data. In other words, the geometric mean is preferable for individual sample data because it is less influenced by a small number of high values that are common when measuring chemicals in biological samples. For these types of data with log-normal distribution, arithmetic means are expected to be higher than geometric means. Therefore, the arithmetic means presented for the pooled sample data are expected to be higher than the geometric means of individual sample data reported elsewhere, including in Health Canada’s reports on human biomonitoring of environmental chemicals. The difference between arithmetic and geometric means should be considered when comparing results from pooled sample data with those of individual sample data.

6.1.4 Lipid adjustment

The environmental chemicals measured in pooled serum — namely, persistent organohalogens — are lipophilic, and concentrate in lipid stores within the body. As such, data were adjusted for serum lipid content and are presented on a lipid weight basis, as is commonly and routinely done for these chemicals (HHEAR, 2020). Data are also presented on a serum weight basis for comparison with studies in which lipids were not measured. It is worth noting that serum lipid levels can be affected by variables such as sex, age, fasting status and body mass index (BMI), which may result in differences among demographic and sampling groups within a single cycle (Costanza et al., 2005). In addition, a subset (approximately half) of the CHMS participants aged 6–79 fasted for a minimum of 10 hours prior to blood sampling. For data presented on a serum weight basis, concentrations of lipophilic chemicals are generally higher in non-fasting samples than in fasting samples (Phillips et al., 1989). However, correcting for total serum lipids results in similar chemical concentrations in fasting and non-fasting samples (Phillips et al., 1989).

References

ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail). 2010. Opinion of the French Food Safety Agency on interpreting the health impact of PCB concentration levels in the French population. ANSES, Paris. Retrieved March 3, 2020.

Costanza, M.C., Cayanis, E., Ross, B.M., Flaherty, M.S., Alvin, G.B., Das, K., Morabia, A. (2005). Relative contributions of genes, environment, and interactions to blood lipid concentrations in a general adult population. American Journal of Epidemiology, 161 (8), 714–724.

Faure, S., Noisel, N., Werry, K., Karthikeyan, S., Aylward, L.L, St-Amand, A. (2020). Evaluation of human biomonitoring data in a health risk based context: An updated analysis of population level data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 223 (1), 267–280.

Hays, S.M., Aylward, L.L., LaKind, J.S., Bartels, M.J., Barton, H.A., Boogaard, P.J., Brunk, C., DiZio, S., Dourson, M., Goldstein, D.A., et al. (2008). Guidelines for the derivation of biomonitoring equivalents: report from the biomonitoring equivalents expert workshop. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 51 (3), S4–S15.

HHEAR (Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource) (2020). Lipid Adjustment of Persistent Organic Pollutants. Retrieved March 20, 2020.

Phillips, D.L., Pirkle, J.L., Burse, V.W., Bernert Jr., J.T., Henderson, L.O., Needham, L.L. (1989). Chlorinated hydrocarbon levels in human serum: Effects of fasting and feeding. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 18 (4), 495–500.

Singh, K., Karthikeyan, S., Vladisavljevic, D., St-Amand, A., Chan, H.M. (2019). Factors associated with plasma concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) in the Canadian population. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 29(3), 326–347.

St-Amand, A., Werry, K., Aylward, L.L., Hays, S.M., Nong, A. (2014). Screening of population level biomonitoring data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey in a risk-based context. Toxicology Letters, 231 (2), 126–134.

7 Summaries and results for dioxins and furans

7.1 Dioxins and furans

Dioxins and furans are classes of toxicologically and structurally similar chlorinated organic chemicals. This group comprises 75 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins) and 135 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998). Of the 210 congeners, 17 are considered of greatest concern to human health. These congeners were measured as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and are listed in Table 7.1.1 and Table 7.1.2.

Table 7.1.1
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1 (2007–2009), cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017)
Compound name	CASRN
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)	1746-01-6
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD)	40321-76-4
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	39227-28-6
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	57653-85-7
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	19408-74-3
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD)	35822-46-9
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)	3268-87-9

Table 7.1.2
Polychlorinated dibenzofurans measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1 (2007–2009), cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017)
Compound name	CASRN
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF)	51207-31-9
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	57117-41-6
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	57117-31-4
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	70648-26-9
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	57117-44-9
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	72918-21-9
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	60851-34-5
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	67562-39-4
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	55673-89-7
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF)	39001-02-0

Dioxins and furans are produced from natural processes — such as forest fires and volcanic eruptions — and as a result of anthropogenic activities (Health Canada, 2006). Incineration processes are a major anthropogenic source, and include accidental burning of transformers and electrical equipment as well as intentional burning of materials such as household trash, municipal and medical waste, treated woods and fossil fuels. Other sources of anthropogenic releases are metal processing, chlorine bleaching of pulp and paper, electrical power generation, tobacco smoke and manufacturing of chemicals, such as pesticides (Health Canada, 2006). Dioxins and furans are not used commercially or produced intentionally by industry (except for scientific research purposes); rather, they are generated as impurities during the manufacture of other chemicals or products (ATSDR, 1994).

Dioxins and furans enter the environment mainly through air and are found in the environment throughout the world (WHO, 2010). Once in the atmosphere, they can undergo long-range transport (Health Canada, 2006). The highest levels of these chemicals are found in soils, sediments and foods (WHO, 2010). In the environment, dioxins and furans are bioaccumulative and persistent. These properties are more pronounced in higher chlorinated congeners and congeners with specific positions of chlorination (WHO, 2010). TCDD has an estimated half-life in surface soil of 9–15 years and in subsurface soil of 25–100 years (Paustenbach et al. 1992). Even though levels have decreased, dioxins and furans are still present in the environment from historical releases and, in certain cases, industrial or agricultural incidents (EPA, 2019; WHO, 2016).

The primary route of exposure in the general population is the ingestion of foods, including breast milk (Health Canada, 2006). Because of their lipophilic properties, higher levels of dioxins and furans are generally found in certain fat-containing foods, such as meats, dairy products, eggs and fish (ATSDR, 1998; Consonni et al., 2012; EPA, 2019). Dioxin and furan exposure may also occur through air, drinking water and consumer products; however, exposure from these sources is very low (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998).

Although dioxins and furans are readily absorbed following oral exposure, the rate of absorption is specific to each congener and the vehicle used (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998). Once in the bloodstream, these compounds are carried by serum lipids and lipoproteins. They are stored mainly in lipid-rich tissues, with the highest concentrations found in the liver, adipose tissue, skin and muscle (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998; Aylward et al., 2008). Data from experimental studies demonstrated that fetuses might be exposed to dioxins and furans via the placenta (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998; Lampa et al., 2018). The extent of metabolism and accumulation depend on the number of chlorine atom substitutions, with more chlorinated substances undergoing greater accumulation (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998). Dioxins and furans can be measured in breast milk, adipose tissue and blood or its components, including whole blood, plasma and serum (Patterson et al., 1988). These chemicals are slowly excreted from the body, mainly via feces, but can also be excreted efficiently through breast milk. Estimated half-lives differ between congeners, and range from 2–15 years in adults (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998; Aylward et al., 2008). Serum levels of dioxins and furans are used to assess human exposures to these chemicals in the general population (Aylward et al., 2008).

Most, if not all, toxic effects of dioxins and furans are mediated through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Acute ingestion of dioxins and furans induces hepatotoxicity and chloracne, characterized by persistent skin lesions (Marinković et al., 2010; WHO, 2010). Chronic exposure can lead to reproductive, developmental and neurodevelopmental effects as well as endocrine and immune system toxicity (WHO, 2010). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2012) has classified TCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) and other dioxins and furans as Group 3 (not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans). The toxicities of dioxin and furan mixtures can be expressed in terms of toxic equivalents (TEQs), which can be used to evaluate the human health risks posed by these complex mixtures (Consonni et al., 2012; WHO, 2010). An overview of the TEQ approach is provided in Appendix B.

Dioxins and furans are listed on Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). They are also classified as persistent organic pollutants by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Canada, 1999; Environment Canada, 2013a; Environment Canada, 2013b; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers dioxins and furans to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; as such, they are targeted for full life cycle management (Track 2 substances) (Environment Canada, 2013a; Environment Canada, 2013b; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 1990). Risk management actions under CEPA 1999 have been developed to control and, if possible, eliminate releases of these substances into the environment (Health Canada, 2006). These actions include: Canada-wide standards to minimize the release of dioxins and furans from municipal solid waste and hazardous waste incinerators, coastal pulp and paper boilers, iron sintering plants and electric arc furnaces; regulations requiring the virtual elimination of dioxin and furan release from pulp mills; and multi-pollutant approaches for other sectors, including base metals smelting, diesel fuel combustion, electric power generation and wood treatment. TCDD is also a prohibited ingredient on the List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (more commonly referred to as the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, or simply the Hotlist), an administrative tool that Health Canada uses to communicate to manufacturers and others that certain substances, when present in a cosmetic, may not comply with the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act or the Cosmetic Regulations (Health Canada, 2019). This list also provides limits for other dioxins and furans that might be present as impurities during triclosan manufacturing (Health Canada, 2019). Dioxins and furans are analyzed as part of Health Canada's ongoing Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016) as well by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as part of its ongoing monitoring and surveillance activities. These survey activities demonstrate that dioxin and furan concentrations in foods sold in Canada have decreased in the past 25 years. Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to reduce the unintentional releases of dioxins and furans through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Dioxins and furans have been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study of pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools. Detectable levels were reported for three dioxin congeners (1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, HpCDD and OCDD) and six furan congeners (1,2,3,7,8- PeCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF and OCDF). HpCDD and OCDD were the most highly detected congeners, with mean concentrations ranging from 5.5–55 pg/g lipid for HpCDD and from 5.3–280 pg/g lipid for OCDD. The Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools. Detectable levels were reported for three dioxin congeners (1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, HpCDD and OCDD) and three furan congeners (1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF). As in the other regional biomonitoring studies, HpCDD and OCDD were the most highly detected congeners. Concentrations ranged from 8.9–16 pg/g lipid for HpCDD and from 90–110 pg/g lipid for OCDD. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for dioxins and furans. Detectable levels were reported for three dioxin congeners (1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, HpCDD and OCDD) and two furan congeners (2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF). HpCDD and OCDD were the most highly detected congeners, with geometric mean concentrations of 5.33 pg/g lipid for HpCDD and 60.18 pg/g lipid for OCDD.

Seventeen dioxin and furan congeners (Table 7.1.1 and 7.1.2) were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1 (2007–2009) and aged 3–79 in cycles 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017). Data from these cycles are presented as pg/g lipid and pg/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of dioxin and furan congeners in serum is an indicator of exposure to dioxins and furans. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Rawn et al. (2012) published dioxin and furan data from pooled serum samples collected in cycle 1 of the CHMS. These previously published results were generated using a different statistical approach. As a result, they are not directly comparable with the data presented in this report.

Table 7.1.3
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	2.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	2.8	0.91	13
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	2.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	2.8	0.93	34
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	2.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	2.2	0.90	8
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	1.7	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.8	0.74	46
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.5	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.9	0.66	20
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	1.9	1.0	36
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	1.7	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.17	2.2	0.64	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.3	0.70	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.51	2.8	1.5	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	2.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.9	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.1, 0.65, 0.27 and 0.38 pg/g lipid, respectively
Table 7.1.3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.4
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.0089	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0074	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.020	0.0058	11
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.0089	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0074	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.020	0.0060	31
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.0089	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0074	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.016	0.0056	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0092	0.0038	46
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0068	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.010	0.0033	21
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.011	0.0061	33
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0075	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0011	0.016	0.0045	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0060	0.0041	31
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0034	0.020	0.010	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0089	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0074	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.3.
Table 7.1.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.5
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	9.0	3.7	24
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	5.9	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	7.8	3.1	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	9.0	3.8	24
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	5.9	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	7.8	3.0	8
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	9.0	3.5	22
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	5.9	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.81	6.4	3.2	2
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	12	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	8.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	5.7	2.8	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	6.1	1.1	39
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	3.3	1.7	65
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	4.3	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.81	2.8	2.3	11
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	3.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	4.7	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	5.7	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.3	2.4	1.8	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	12	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	3.6	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	2.7	2.2	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.8	7.1	2.8	25
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	4.2	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	3.0	5.1	3.7	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	9.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.7	9.0	5.2	41
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.2	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.3	7.8	4.6	23
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	11	4.2	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	7.0	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.6	5.9	4.8	4
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.3, 0.75, 0.39 and 0.57 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.6
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.062	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.042	0.019	10
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.034	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.054	0.020	2
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.062	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.042	0.019	10
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.034	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.054	0.020	9
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.062	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.042	0.018	11
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.034	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0045	0.043	0.020	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.058	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.038	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.025	0.014	1
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.024	0.0046	32
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.015	0.0085	64
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0045	0.015	0.012	12
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0068	0.012	0.0093	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.043	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.017	0.013	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.062	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.010	0.026	0.014	9
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.024	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.020	0.036	0.026	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.057	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.017	0.042	0.028	25
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.025	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.010	0.054	0.032	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.058	0.024	13
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.034	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.018	0.034	0.026	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.5.
Table 7.1.6 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.6 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.7
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	6.5	2.6	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	8.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	10	2.5	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	5.3	2.7	2
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	6.5	2.7	0
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	8.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	10	2.6	8
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	5.0	2.4	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	6.5	2.8	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	8.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	4.2	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	5.3	3.0	8
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	5.7	2.5	8
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.70	5.8	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	10	2.6	14
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	1.0	2.6	2.0	20
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	2.1	1.3	33
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	2.7	1.6	39
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	2.8	1.7	10
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	2.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	3.4	2.0	22
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	2.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	6.1	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.2	4.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.6	1.8	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	1.5	3.4	2.4	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	4.0	2.9	11
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.2	4.4	1.9	29
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.3	3.6	2.6	12
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	1.9	4.6	3.1	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	5.7	2.1	18
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.9	5.8	3.3	32
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.0	2.2	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.8	5.3	3.8	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.0	6.5	4.2	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.7	8.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.1	10	4.3	15
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.7, 0.74, 0.39 and 0.49 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.7 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.7 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.8
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.039	0.014	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.048	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.049	0.013	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.036	0.017	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.039	0.014	2
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.048	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.049	0.013	3
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.035	0.015	5
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.039	0.015	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.048	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.024	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.036	0.019	10
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.032	0.014	8
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0031	0.027	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.049	0.013	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0048	0.010	0.0088	12
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.010	0.0064	34
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.010	0.0069	43
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.015	0.0089	11
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.011	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.017	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.012	0.0075	18
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.011	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.024	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0048	0.022	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0094	0.0070	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0087	0.021	0.014	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.021	0.015	18
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0077	0.019	0.0096	13
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0057	0.017	0.012	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.013	0.032	0.021	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.032	0.012	18
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.012	0.027	0.018	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0059	0.013	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.014	0.036	0.026	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.017	0.039	0.024	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.012	0.048	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0097	0.049	0.023	10
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.7.
Table 7.1.8 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.8 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.9
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	40	14	5
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	49	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	4.2	32	13	1
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	3.0	51	21	2
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	40	14	5
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	49	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	4.2	32	13	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	5.5	51	20	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	40	15	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	49	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	4.2	32	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	3.0	50	23	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	4.1	36	13	7
4 (2014–2015)	30	4.4	39	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	4.6	30	13	0
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	8.0	13	9.9	4
4 (2014–2015)	6	7.0	11	8.6	8
5 (2016–2017)	6	6.9	10	8.3	7
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.0	11	8.7	9
3 (2012–2013)	11	2.7	13	7.7	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	8.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.6	10	7.2	17
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	5.5	9.6	7.6	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.2	11	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.8	7.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.2	7.4	6.0	6
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	12	23	15	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	14	9.7	12
4 (2014–2015)	13	6.1	12	8.0	19
5 (2016–2017)	13	4.7	8.6	7.2	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	23	50	27	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	11	19	13	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	12	22	18	13
5 (2016–2017)	12	8.3	14	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	5.8	51	37	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	23	40	29	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	16	49	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	22	32	27	7
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.7, 0.86, 0.40 and 0.49 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.9 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.9 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.10
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.24	0.077	4
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.24	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.017	0.18	0.066	2
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.017	0.37	0.14	2
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.24	0.078	5
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.24	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.017	0.18	0.068	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.029	0.35	0.13	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.24	0.085	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.24	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.017	0.18	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.017	0.37	0.15	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.018	0.18	0.071	6
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.019	0.20	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.018	0.15	0.064	6
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.032	0.062	0.044	5
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.035	0.049	0.042	9
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.031	0.040	0.035	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.017	0.061	0.046	10
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.013	0.062	0.035	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.035	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.017	0.034	0.025	15
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.029	0.048	0.039	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.014	0.044	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.021	0.030	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.017	0.030	0.023	12
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.071	0.14	0.089	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.073	0.050	5
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.032	0.053	0.040	3
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.022	0.047	0.034	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.16	0.37	0.19	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.057	0.11	0.078	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.072	0.11	0.098	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.049	0.083	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.044	0.35	0.25	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.12	0.24	0.17	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.072	0.24	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.11	0.18	0.15	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.9.
Table 7.1.10 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.10 footnote a Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.11
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	9.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	7.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	5.5	3.1	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	7.1	3.2	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	9.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	7.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	5.5	3.1	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	7.1	3.6	5
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	8.9	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	7.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	5.1	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	4.9	2.8	16
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	9.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	7.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	5.5	3.0	10
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	2.6	1.6	46
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	3.5	2.2	21
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	4.5	3.3	1
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	4.0	2.6	26
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	4.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	7.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	5.5	3.3	34
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	3.4	2.6	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	5.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.5	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.8	2.5	34
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	3.9	2.6	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	9.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	2.0	4.4	2.6	19
5 (2016–2017)	13	2.3	4.6	3.1	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	3.0	4.8	3.8	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	8.9	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	4.0	2.1	33
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.1	3.6	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	7.1	3.8	50
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	6.5	4.0	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	7.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.0	5.2	4.5	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 2.1, 0.79, 0.38 and 0.49 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.11 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.11 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.12
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.050	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.035	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.029	0.016	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.051	0.020	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.050	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.035	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.029	0.016	8
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.051	0.023	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.050	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.035	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.029	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.033	0.018	15
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.046	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.033	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.027	0.015	16
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.012	0.0073	53
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.018	0.011	20
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.022	0.014	8
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.020	0.014	26
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.019	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.033	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.020	0.012	33
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.017	0.013	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.024	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.015	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.019	0.0097	29
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.023	0.015	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.046	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.011	0.018	0.013	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.010	0.027	0.014	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.021	0.031	0.026	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.050	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.022	0.013	48
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0059	0.020	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.051	0.026	49
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.039	0.023	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.035	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0092	0.029	0.024	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.11.
Table 7.1.12 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.12 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.13
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	5.1	34	18	3
4 (2014–2015)	67	7.0	32	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	7.3	30	17	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	3.3	46	22	1
3 (2012–2013)	59	5.1	34	18	2
4 (2014–2015)	61	7.0	32	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	7.4	30	18	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	7.7	46	22	5
3 (2012–2013)	29	5.7	34	19	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	7.4	32	18	10
5 (2016–2017)	31	8.7	26	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	3.3	35	22	2
3 (2012–2013)	30	5.1	25	17	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	7.0	24	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	7.4	30	16	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	8.6	16	12	25
4 (2014–2015)	6	9.0	13	11	7
5 (2016–2017)	6	7.3	14	12	8
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.3	19	12	18
3 (2012–2013)	11	5.7	18	10	29
4 (2014–2015)	12	7.0	14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.4	20	13	29
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	7.7	17	13	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	5.1	19	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	7.4	14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	8.7	15	14	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	16	25	19	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	11	25	18	6
4 (2014–2015)	13	9.0	21	14	19
5 (2016–2017)	13	13	30	18	3
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	19	34	26	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	12	25	16	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	12	23	17	17
5 (2016–2017)	12	10	23	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	13	46	31	20
3 (2012–2013)	12	19	34	26	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	18	32	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	15	30	23	4
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.7, 0.53, 0.26 and 0.43 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.13 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.13 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.14
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.024	0.20	0.096	3
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.032	0.16	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.027	0.18	0.088	7
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.018	0.32	0.14	0
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.024	0.20	0.098	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.032	0.16	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.027	0.18	0.089	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.042	0.32	0.14	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.027	0.20	0.10	6
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.032	0.16	0.094	1
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.033	0.15	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.018	0.24	0.14	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.024	0.15	0.093	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.032	0.13	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.027	0.18	0.082	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.041	0.066	0.054	17
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.041	0.064	0.056	6
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.031	0.056	0.049	4
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.018	0.10	0.064	19
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.027	0.072	0.047	25
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.032	0.063	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.027	0.067	0.046	27
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.042	0.085	0.064	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.024	0.081	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.032	0.069	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.036	0.060	0.052	4
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.094	0.16	0.11	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.057	0.13	0.096	12
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.055	0.084	0.069	3
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.060	0.18	0.086	7
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.13	0.22	0.18	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.062	0.15	0.095	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.075	0.12	0.095	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.057	0.14	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.099	0.32	0.21	19
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.11	0.20	0.15	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.081	0.16	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.087	0.15	0.12	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.13.
Table 7.1.14 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.14 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.15
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	310	130	5
4 (2014–2015)	67	55	300	120	10
5 (2016–2017)	67	59	220	120	3
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	2.3	360	160	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	61	310	130	5
4 (2014–2015)	61	55	300	120	10
5 (2016–2017)	61	59	220	120	3
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	63	360	180	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	61	310	150	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	55	300	140	9
5 (2016–2017)	31	59	220	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	2.3	220	130	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	72	210	120	4
4 (2014–2015)	30	55	180	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	65	140	100	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	91	78	10
4 (2014–2015)	6	66	86	77	4
5 (2016–2017)	6	59	100	76	4
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.3	130	89	25
3 (2012–2013)	11	64	110	85	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	58	100	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	61	140	93	13
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	79	120	96	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	61	110	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	55	82	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	59	140	86	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	82	210	130	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	84	170	110	16
4 (2014–2015)	13	55	150	91	17
5 (2016–2017)	13	74	170	110	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	130	260	190	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	97	210	130	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	77	180	120	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	69	140	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	63	360	220	24
3 (2012–2013)	12	140	310	220	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	140	300	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	120	220	160	0
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 4.4, 3.4, 0.69 and 1.1 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.15 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.15 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.16
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV ^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	1.9	0.73	6
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.23	1.4	0.61	2
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.24	1.1	0.59	6
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.013	2.5	1.0	4
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.29	1.9	0.74	6
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.23	1.4	0.61	2
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.24	1.1	0.59	6
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.43	2.5	1.2	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.29	1.9	0.84	6
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.23	1.4	0.72	1
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.24	1.1	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.013	1.5	0.85	5
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.33	1.3	0.64	5
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.27	0.99	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.26	0.82	0.49	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.37	0.34	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.28	0.42	0.38	3
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.25	0.36	0.32	1
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.013	0.72	0.47	27
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.33	0.48	0.39	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.24	0.41	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.26	0.37	0.32	9
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.43	0.59	0.49	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.29	0.46	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.23	0.36	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.24	0.45	0.32	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.50	1.3	0.79	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.41	0.95	0.59	22
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.34	0.56	0.46	1
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.38	0.77	0.50	12
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.86	1.9	1.3	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.58	1.3	0.77	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.46	0.90	0.66	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.39	0.82	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.48	2.5	1.5	24
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.78	1.9	1.3	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.66	1.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.64	1.1	0.88	4
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.15.
Table 7.1.16 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.16 footnote a Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.17
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	2.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	5.8	2.1	16
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	4.5	1.1	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.9	0.67	8
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	2.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	5.8	2.1	15
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	4.5	1.1	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	1.9	0.69	10
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	5.8	2.6	11
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	4.5	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	1.4	0.65	5
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	2.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	5.8	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	4.1	1.2	1
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	4.6	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	2.6	1.7	13
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.4	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	5.8	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	3.8	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.3	0.61	44
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.1	2.8	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.5	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	1.2	0.67	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	3.7	2.3	44
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	2.7	1.3	22
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.026	1.4	0.73	21
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	2.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	5.8	2.7	0
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.6	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	5.0	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.1	1.5	11
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.3, 0.49, 0.19 and 0.27 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.17 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.17 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.18
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.034	0.011	2
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.019	0.0054	2
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.014	0.0042	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.034	0.011	0
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.019	0.0054	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.014	0.0044	10
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.034	0.014	3
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.019	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0094	0.0040	2
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.026	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.016	0.0057	10
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.020	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.012	0.0074	21
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0073	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.026	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.019	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0064	0.0031	43
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0049	0.014	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.016	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0071	0.0039	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.016	0.011	30
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.013	0.0062	15
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.00019	0.0094	0.0050	20
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.034	0.015	17
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0083	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.027	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.011	0.0082	14
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.17.
Table 7.1.18 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.18 footnote a Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.19
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	3.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	5.6	1.3	33
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	3.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	5.6	1.4	32
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	1.2	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	2.4	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	4.3	1.2	8
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	3.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	5.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	1.4	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.49	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.82	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.1	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.5	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.2	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	3.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	2.4	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.59	2.8	1.1	42
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	1.4	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.66	5.6	2.4	40
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.4	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.31	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.1	0.75	6
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.1, 0.33, 0.17 and 0.23 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.19 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.19 footnote a Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.20
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.026	0.0067	19
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0077	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.026	0.0069	18
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0077	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.025	0.0065	5
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0068	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0069	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.026	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0077	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.0020	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0065	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0095	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0060	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0065	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0053	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0068	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0068	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0034	0.012	0.0052	27
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0077	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0069	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0066	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0040	0.026	0.012	24
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0074	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0016	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0074	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0054	0.0040	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.19.
Table 7.1.20 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.20 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.21
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%) ^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	15	3.7	22
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	15	6.6	19
5 (2016–2017)	67	3.0	8.6	5.8	5
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	8.8	4.2	15
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	15	3.7	21
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	15	6.7	19
5 (2016–2017)	61	3.0	8.6	5.8	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	8.8	4.1	12
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	14	3.3	26
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	10	6.1	18
5 (2016–2017)	31	3.2	8.3	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	7.3	4.2	19
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	15	4.1	17
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	15	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	3.0	8.6	6.5	6
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	6.0	2.8	44
4 (2014–2015)	6	3.0	7.7	4.5	18
5 (2016–2017)	6	5.5	7.5	5.8	4
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	3.6	2.2	38
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	5.9	2.9	46
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	6.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.0	7.8	5.7	11
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.8	4.6	3.0	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	15	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.9	6.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.4	5.8	4.6	0
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	6.8	3.4	33
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	14	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	2.8	8.1	4.8	30
5 (2016–2017)	13	3.2	6.3	4.9	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	3.4	7.1	5.4	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	9.7	4.7	37
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.8	15	8.7	25
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.8	8.0	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	8.8	4.7	55
3 (2012–2013)	12	6.8	11	8.2	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	6.4	10	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	6.4	8.6	7.7	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.3, 0.74, 0.27 and 0.39 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.21 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.21 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.22
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.067	0.021	21
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.069	0.034	6
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.011	0.046	0.029	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.063	0.027	14
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.067	0.021	20
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.069	0.035	6
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.011	0.046	0.029	8
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.063	0.027	11
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.067	0.019	24
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.059	0.032	9
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.012	0.044	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.051	0.026	17
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.058	0.023	17
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.069	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.011	0.046	0.032	11
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.025	0.013	51
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.015	0.033	0.022	17
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.022	0.027	0.025	9
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.019	0.012	39
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.026	0.013	43
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.028	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.011	0.029	0.020	8
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.010	0.023	0.015	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.054	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0074	0.032	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.012	0.023	0.018	7
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.039	0.020	31
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.067	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.016	0.033	0.024	14
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.014	0.035	0.023	16
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.025	0.051	0.037	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.058	0.028	35
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.029	0.069	0.047	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.021	0.042	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.063	0.033	53
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.040	0.066	0.046	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.029	0.059	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.034	0.046	0.041	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.21.
Table 7.1.22 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.22 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.23
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	6.1	3.6	8
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	8.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	6.7	3.5	7
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	16	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	6.1	3.6	6
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	7.9	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	6.7	3.5	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	9.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	6.1	3.4	12
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	7.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	1.6	4.8	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	16	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	5.4	3.8	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	2.3	7.9	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	6.7	3.9	9
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	4.6	2.5	58
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.4	8.4	2.9	33
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.8	5.1	3.9	13
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	9.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	4.6	2.0	26
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	7.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.1	6.7	3.9	9
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	5.4	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.8	5.0	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	6.3	3.7	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	16	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.6	6.1	4.0	23
4 (2014–2015)	13	2.2	5.5	3.6	35
5 (2016–2017)	13	2.9	6.5	3.5	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	3.7	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.7	4.5	3.6	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.7	7.9	5.4	19
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.6	4.4	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	4.0	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.1	5.1	3.7	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.8	7.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.0	5.1	3.8	9
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.0, 0.45, 0.22 and 0.29 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.23 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.23 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.24
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.031	0.019	7
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.038	0.017	11
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.094	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.031	0.019	5
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.038	0.017	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.051	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.031	0.018	10
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0086	0.023	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.094	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.026	0.021	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.011	0.036	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.038	0.019	16
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.022	0.011	64
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0070	0.036	0.014	32
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.012	0.020	0.017	18
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.047	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.020	0.0092	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.033	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0097	0.025	0.014	7
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.010	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.022	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.012	0.025	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.025	0.014	6
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.094	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0090	0.029	0.020	16
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.012	0.024	0.018	19
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.014	0.038	0.017	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.025	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.010	0.026	0.021	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.017	0.038	0.030	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0086	0.026	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.027	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.016	0.031	0.021	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.017	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.016	0.028	0.020	13
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.23.
Table 7.1.24 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.24 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.25
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	7.7	3.7	5
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	9.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	5.8	3.5	10
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	6.2	3.5	9
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	7.7	3.7	6
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	9.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	5.8	3.5	10
>Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	5.5	3.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	7.7	3.9	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	7.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	1.7	4.7	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	6.2	3.9	12
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	6.8	3.6	17
4 (2014–2015)	30	2.0	9.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	5.8	3.8	14
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	4.1	2.0	50
4 (2014–2015)	6	2.9	5.6	3.4	5
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.4	4.4	3.0	11
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	4.2	2.0	18
3 (2012–2013)	11	1.3	6.2	2.8	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	6.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.9	5.6	3.4	13
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	4.6	2.4	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	6.6	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.5	4.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	5.8	3.6	7
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.12	6.0	3.3	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	7.7	3.4	8
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.9	5.6	3.3	36
5 (2016–2017)	13	2.6	5.4	3.7	3
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.7	6.2	4.1	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.3	5.7	4.2	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.4	9.2	5.7	29
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.7	4.6	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.1	6.1	3.7	36
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.4	6.8	4.7	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.0	7.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.4	5.2	3.8	18
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.1, 0.40, 0.19, and 0.34 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.25 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.25 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.26
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.040	0.020	7
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.029	0.017	14
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.043	0.022	9
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.040	0.020	8
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.029	0.017	14
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.038	0.019	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.040	0.021	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0086	0.026	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.043	0.025	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.036	0.020	18
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.011	0.042	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.029	0.019	21
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.016	0.0094	57
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.015	0.024	0.017	4
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0096	0.018	0.013	15
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.022	0.010	18
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0062	0.025	0.013	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.027	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0080	0.022	0.012	13
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.023	0.012	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.024	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.010	0.022	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.023	0.014	13
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.00071	0.035	0.020	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.040	0.018	15
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.012	0.024	0.016	20
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.011	0.027	0.017	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.018	0.043	0.028	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.012	0.034	0.025	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.018	0.042	0.031	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0092	0.029	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0084	0.041	0.026	36
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.020	0.037	0.026	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.018	0.045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.012	0.028	0.021	21
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.25.
Table 7.1.26 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.26 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.27
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	8.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	3.6	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	8.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	3.6	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	1.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	4.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	2.8	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	8.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	3.6	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	1.8	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	1.2	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.4	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.8	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	4.1	1.8	50
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	3.6	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	8.6	2.4	61
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.9	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.6	1.1	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.4, 0.57, 0.37 and 0.44 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.27 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.27 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.28
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.040	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.040	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.0096	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.018	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.011	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.040	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0090	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.0050	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0066	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.014	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0070	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.011	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.018	0.0088	36
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.040	0.012	48
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0057	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0096	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.011	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0081	0.0057	7
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.27.
Table 7.1.28 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.28 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.29
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexchlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	4.4	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	6.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	5.1	1.8	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	2.8	1.4	13
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	4.4	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	6.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	5.1	1.8	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	2.8	1.3	18
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	3.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	4.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	3.8	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	2.2	1.4	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	4.4	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	6.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	5.1	2.1	13
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	3.4	1.3	69
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	2.3	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	3.5	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	2.2	1.2	39
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.7	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	5.7	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	5.1	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.5	1.0	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	3.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	3.8	1.8	25
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.15	2.8	1.5	37
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	4.4	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.2	3.9	2.2	37
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.1	4.1	1.9	13
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	1.9	1.4	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	3.0	1.6	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.5	6.1	3.4	33
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.3	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.62	2.1	1.3	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	3.8	1.7	14
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.5	2.6	2.0	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.4, 0.41, 0.25 and 0.34 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.29 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.29 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.30
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexchlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.023	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.028	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.024	0.0088	12
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.015	0.0085	11
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.023	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.028	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.024	0.0089	11
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.015	0.0081	16
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.021	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.014	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.013	0.0088	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.023	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.028	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.024	0.010	18
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.016	0.0061	74
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.011	0.0061	39
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0075	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.026	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.019	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0072	0.0052	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.013	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.014	0.0068	19
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.00089	0.015	0.0086	34
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.023	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0070	0.017	0.011	22
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0053	0.024	0.0090	20
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.013	0.0097	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.018	0.0096	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0088	0.028	0.018	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.014	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0042	0.015	0.0091	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.020	0.0096	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.017	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0083	0.014	0.011	8
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.29.
Table 7.1.30 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.30 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.31
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	16	6.5	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	3.2	15	5.5	2
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	21	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	16	6.4	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	3.2	15	5.4	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	20	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	12	6.2	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	10	6.0	16
5 (2016–2017)	31	3.2	8.4	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	21	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	3.8	16	6.7	8
4 (2014–2015)	30	4.2	14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	3.9	15	6.3	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	6.0	10	8.7	9
4 (2014–2015)	6	4.2	9.5	6.6	9
5 (2016–2017)	6	5.0	8.9	6.8	5
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	20	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	3.3	9.3	6.1	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.6	15	8.5	14
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.4	16	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.1	11	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.6	9.5	6.8	3
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	21	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	9.3	6.7	19
4 (2014–2015)	13	3.8	9.2	5.4	21
5 (2016–2017)	13	4.4	7.8	5.7	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	5.5	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.4	7.6	6.4	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.5	11	6.7	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.2	5.8	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	6.9	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.2	7.0	4.9	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.8	10	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.3	7.0	4.9	0
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.8, 0.42, 0.24 and 0.32 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.31 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.31 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.32
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.058	0.034	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.063	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.015	0.046	0.026	6
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.058	0.034	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.063	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.015	0.046	0.026	6
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.10	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.058	0.032	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.059	0.031	7
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.015	0.030	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.021	0.058	0.035	8
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.022	0.063	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.020	0.046	0.030	8
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.024	0.042	0.038	1
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.019	0.041	0.033	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.021	0.032	0.029	1
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.10	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.016	0.045	0.028	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.063	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.020	0.039	0.029	8
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.055	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.018	0.058	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.018	0.054	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.015	0.038	0.026	3
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.045	0.035	12
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.021	0.034	0.027	5
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.022	0.046	0.027	5
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.038	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.023	0.044	0.037	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.022	0.051	0.036	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.017	0.033	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.048	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.019	0.036	0.027	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.018	0.059	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.017	0.038	0.026	4
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.31.
Table 7.1.32 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.32 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.33
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.75	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	5.4	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.75	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	4.0	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	4.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.69	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	5.4	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	5.4	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.4	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	4.0	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	4.8	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	4.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	4.6	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	1.8	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.69	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 2.6, 0.60, 0.39 and 0.53 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.33 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.33 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.34
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.064	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0041	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.030	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.064	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0041	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.022	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0041	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.030	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.064	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.028	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0070	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.020	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.064	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.028	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.022	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.030	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0058	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0085	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0041	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.33.
Table 7.1.34 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.34 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.35
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	32	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	34	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	32	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	34	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	32	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	6.0	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	34	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	2.5	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	5.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	32	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	3.2	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.5	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	34	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 2.2, 3.4, 0.40 and 0.95 (0.17–3.7) pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 7.1.35 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.35 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 7.1.36
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.17	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.17	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.029	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.17	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.027	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0071	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.17	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 7.1.35.
Table 7.1.36 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 7.1.36 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

Aylward, L.L., LaKind, J.S., Hays, S.M. (2008). Derivation of biomonitoring equivalent (BE) values for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds: a screening tool for interpretation of biomonitoring data in a risk assessment context. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 71(22), 1499–1508.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry) (1994). Toxicological Profile for Chlorodibenzofurans (CDFs). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved December 2, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry) (1998). Toxicological Profile for Chlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved December 2, 2019.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Caron, É.B., Dumas, P., Lemire, M., Ayotte, P. (2019). MercuNorth final report: Persistent pollutants concentrations in plasma of participants from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Nunavik. Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Centre de toxicologie du Québec, INSPQ. [unpublished]

Consonni, D., Sindaco, R., Bertazzi, P.A. (2012). Blood levels of dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and TEQs in general populations: a review, 1989–2010. Environment International, 44, 151–162.

Environment Canada and Health Canada (1990). Priority substances List Assessment Report No. 1: Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans. Minister of Supply and Services Canada, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved December 4, 2019.

Environment Canada (2013a). Toxic substances list: dibenzofuran. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

Environment Canada (2013b). Toxic substances list: Dibenzo-para-dioxin. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) (2019). Learn about Dioxin. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. Retrieved December 2, 2019.

Health Canada (2006). Dioxins and Furans. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved December 2, 2019.

Health Canada (2016). Concentration of Contaminants and Other Chemicals in Food Composites. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Health Canada (2019). List of Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products (Hotlist). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (2012). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans — Volume 100F: Chemical Agents and Related Occupations. World Health Organization, Lyon. Retrieved December 3, 2019.

Lampa, E., Eguchi, A., Todaka, E., Mori, C. (2018). Fetal exposure markers of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(12), 11940–11947.

Marinković, N., Pašalić, D., Ferenčak, G., Gršković, B., Rukavina, A. (2010). Dioxins and human toxicity. Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 61(4), 445–453.

Patterson, D.G., Needham, L.L., Pirkle, J.L., Roberts, D.W., Bagby, J., Garrett, W.A., Andrews, J.S. Jr., Falk, H., Bernert, J.T., Sampson, E.J., et al. (1988). Correlation between serum and adipose tissue levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in 50 persons from Missouri. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 17(2), 139–143.

Paustenbach, D.J., Wenning, R.J., Lau, V., Harrington, N.W., Rennix, D.K., Parsons, A.H. (1992). Recent developments on the hazards posed by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in soil: Implications for setting risk-based cleanup levels at residential and industrial sites. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 36(2), 103–150.

Rawn, D.K.F., Ryan, J.J., Sadler, A.R., Sun, W.F., Haines, D., Macey, K., Van Oostdam, J. (2012). PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in sera from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) from 2007 to 2009. Environment International, 47, 48–55.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

WHO (World Health Organization) (2010). Exposure to Dioxins and Dioxin-Like Substances: A Major Public Health Concern. WHO, Geneva. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

WHO (World Health Organization) (2016). Dioxins and their effects on human health. WHO, Geneva. Retrieved March 12, 2020.

8 Summaries and results for flame retardants

8.1 Hexabromocyclododecane

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a brominated flame retardant that is used to slow the ignition and spread of fire. Technical HBCD is typically composed of three isomers designated alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ). HBCD is produced synthetically. Technical products typically contain 10%–13% α-HBCD, 1%–12% β–HBCD and 75%–89% γ-HBCD (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011a; Heeb et al., 2005). The HBCD isomers measured in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) are listed in Table 8.1.1.

Table 8.1.1
Hexabromocyclododecane isomers measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycles 1 (2007–2009), 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017)
Compound name	CASRN
alpha-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCD)	134237-50-6
beta-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCD)	134237-51-7
gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCD)	134237-52-8

Currently in Canada, the only known intentional use of HBCD is in products used in the automotive sector (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018a). However, HBCD may also be present in manufactured items, such as foam packaging made from recycled polystyrene and toys made from recycled plastics (Abdallah et al., 2018; DiGangi et al., 2017). Historically, HBCD use was primarily in polystyrene foam insulation in building and construction materials (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018a). To a lesser extent, it was also used as a flame retardant in textiles for upholstered furniture, transportation seating, wall coverings and draperies, as well as in adhesives, paints and electronics.

HBCD does not occur naturally, but may enter the environment throughout its life cycle, from manufacturing through product use and disposal. In product applications, HBCD is mixed or dissolved rather than chemically bonded. As such, releases may occur in both indoor and outdoor environments. Due to its low vapour pressure and low water solubility, releases are expected to preferentially concentrate in household dust, soil and sediments rather than in air or water. HBCD has been detected in a wide array of environmental media, including air, water, soil and biota (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011b). Once in the environment, HBCD is persistent and bioaccumulative, with half-lives of 2, 60 and 240 days in air, water and sediment respectively (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011b; Schecter et al., 2012). Under some circumstances, such as adsorption to airborne particles, HBCD may be capable of undergoing long-range transport in the atmosphere (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011b). HBCD has been detected in air, sediments, water and biota in remote places far from areas of use (NCP, 2013). Monitoring of ambient air and biota in Canada’s Arctic indicates that HBCD levels have generally increased since the 1990s (NCP, 2013; Rigét et al., 2019).

The primary sources of exposure in the general population are food (including breast milk) and household dust (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011b). HBCD exposure may also occur through air, water and certain consumer products; however, exposure from these sources is low. While technical HBCD is predominantly composed of the γ-isomer, the α-isomer is commonly the primary isomer measured in environmental media, household dust and food (Abdallah et al., 2008; Fromme et al., 2014; Rigét et al., 2019; Schecter et al., 2012). This shift to the α-isomer may be due to a combination of factors, including solubility, partitioning behaviour and uptake (Covaci et al., 2006).

HBCD is expected to be readily absorbed following oral exposure (European Commission, 2008). Once absorbed, it can undergo stereoisomerization, hydroxylation and debromination in the liver. Studies in humans have demonstrated transplacental transfer of HBCD to developing fetuses. Studies in laboratory animals indicate that γ-HBCD and β-HBCD are more rapidly and extensively metabolized than α-HBCD (Erratico et al., 2016; Szabo et al., 2010; Szabo et al., 2011). α-HBCD has a greater potential to bioaccumulate due to its increased lipophilicity; biological samples generally contain α-HBCD as the predominant isomer (Rawn, Gaertner et al., 2014; Rawn, Ryan et al., 2014; Szabo et al., 2010; Szabo et al., 2011). HBCD isomers can be measured in human breast milk, adipose tissue and blood (EPA, 2010). Based upon studies in laboratory animals, elimination of HBCD is expected to occur mainly through feces and to a lesser degree through urine (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011b). In humans, a half-life of 165 days has been estimated for α-HBCD, while a half-life of 55 days has been estimated for the β- and γ-isomers (Abdallah and Harrad, 2011). Since α-HBCD has a longer biological half-life than the other isomers, serum α-HBCD levels may indicate long-term exposure.

Exposure to HBCD may result in adverse developmental and reproductive health effects, including altered behaviour and decreased fertility (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011b; European Commission, 2008; Health Canada, 2019). In addition, HBCD is a suspected endocrine disruptor, with effects observed on the thyroid hormone axis (Gannon, Moreau et al., 2019; Gannon, Nunnikhoven et al., 2019). There is no conclusive evidence for mutagenic or genotoxic effects (European Commission, 2008); consequently, HBCD is not classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2020) or other agencies.

HBCD is listed on Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and is classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Canada, 1999; Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018b; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers it to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity. As such, HBCD is targeted for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substance) (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2011a). Risk management actions under CEPA 1999 have been developed to prohibit the import, manufacture, use, sale and offer for sale of HBCD and products containing it, with a limited number of exceptions (Canada, 2012). Environment and Climate Change Canada (2018a) has proposed regulatory amendments to remove the exemptions on HBCD. Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to eliminate the import, export, production and use of HBCD through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Prior to the release of the CHMS data set, only limited data existed for HBCD blood levels in Canadians. In northern Canada, HBCD was measured in pooled serum from pregnant women (Ryan et al., 2005). This study included 10 pools of maternal serum from 560 individuals from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories sampled from 1994–1999. β- and γ-HBCD were not detected; α-HBCD was detected in three of the 10 pools, with concentrations of 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 ng/g lipid.

Three HBCD isomers (α, β and γ) were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1 (2007–2009) and aged 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of HBCD isomers in serum is an indicator of exposure to HBCD. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Rawn, Ryan et al. (2014) published HBCD data from pooled serum samples collected in cycle 1 of the CHMS. These previously published results were generated using a different statistical approach. As a result, they are not directly comparable with the data presented in this report.

Table 8.1.2
alpha-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV ^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	4.1	0.83	13
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	5.9	1.0	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	7.1	1.6	5
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.13	6.3	0.61	28
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	4.1	0.82	14
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	5.9	1.0	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	7.1	1.5	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.13	3.4	0.58	35
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	4.1	0.53	14
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	2.8	0.98	18
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	7.1	1.5	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.17	6.3	0.64	21
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	4.0	1.1	13
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	5.9	1.1	11
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	5.8	1.6	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.48	1.8	0.97	6
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.60	2.4	0.90	18
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	6.7	4.8	27
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.17	6.3	0.86	46
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.5	0.74	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.6	0.74	34
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	6.0	1.9	42
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.13	1.6	0.62	38
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.7	0.80	38
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.8	0.95	42
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.1	1.6	52
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.16	1.0	0.42	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	4.1	0.53	24
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	3.7	0.99	9
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.41	5.8	1.8	22
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.24	0.91	0.53	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.6	0.65	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.6	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	7.1	1.3	15
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.28	3.4	1.0	52
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	4.0	1.7	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	5.9	1.5	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.55	4.8	1.4	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.18 ng/g lipid and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.37 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.1.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.3
alpha-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.021	0.0043	14
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.025	0.0053	15
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.038	0.0080	5
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.00066	0.033	0.0039	30
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.021	0.0043	14
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.025	0.0053	15
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.038	0.0076	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.00066	0.026	0.0039	39
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.020	0.0028	14
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.015	0.0052	28
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.038	0.0074	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00088	0.033	0.0039	21
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.021	0.0059	14
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.025	0.0054	3
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.034	0.0077	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0023	0.0082	0.0043	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0029	0.011	0.0043	19
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.032	0.021	33
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00088	0.033	0.0045	46
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0067	0.0034	14
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.012	0.0032	30
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.022	0.0066	37
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00066	0.0077	0.0031	37
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0068	0.0033	38
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.014	0.0043	48
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.016	0.0064	57
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0010	0.0062	0.0025	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.020	0.0027	17
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.021	0.0052	23
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0020	0.034	0.0086	17
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0017	0.0060	0.0036	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.010	0.0038	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.024	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.038	0.0073	15
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0019	0.026	0.0074	54
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.021	0.0089	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.025	0.0075	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0029	0.024	0.0073	6
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.1.2.
Table 8.1.3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.4
beta-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.94	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.94	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.78	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.50	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.94	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.43	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.43	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.58	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.44	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.29	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.78	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	4.8	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.23	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.94	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.42	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.20	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.42	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.31 ng/g lipid and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.24 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.1.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.4 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.5
beta-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.0052	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.0043	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.055	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0057	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.0052	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.0043	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.055	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0015	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.0035	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0023	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0057	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0052	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0043	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.055	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.0017	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0057	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0016	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0029	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0018	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0010	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0015	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0035	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.028	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0015	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0043	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0022	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0013	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0052	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0020	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.055	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.1.4.
Table 8.1.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.6
gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	8.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	2.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	43	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	8.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	2.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	43	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.22	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	2.5	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	2.4	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	8.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	2.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	43	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.84	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.43	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.48	2.0	1.5	32
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.5	0.22	39
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.61	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.9	1.3	62
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.60	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.21	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.6	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.97	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	43	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.090	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.60	0.40	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.9	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.4	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.11	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	8.5	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.5	0.95	20
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.0	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.16 ng/g lipid and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.38 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.1.6 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.6 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.7
gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.044	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.044	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0011	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.0077	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.044	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.0034	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0021	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0020	0.0096	0.0065	37
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0078	0.0011	39
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0024	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0084	0.0043	59
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0080	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0022	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0054	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0055	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0012	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0077	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0063	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00063	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0034	0.0023	13
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0083	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00076	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.044	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.013	0.0051	29
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.020	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.1.6.
Table 8.1.7 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.7 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.8
Total hexabromocyclododecane (sum of α-HBCD, β-HBCD, γ-HBCD) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.50	14	1.6	29
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.50	6.6	1.7	1
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.50	54	3.0	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.28	8.9	0.92	24
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.50	14	1.6	31
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.50	6.6	1.7	1
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.50	54	2.9	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.28	3.7	0.83	25
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.50	4.4	1.1	15
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.50	5.4	1.6	6
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.50	8.3	2.2	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.42	8.9	1.0	22
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.50	14	2.1	39
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.50	6.6	1.8	8
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.50	54	3.5	15
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.79	2.8	1.5	18
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.91	2.7	1.2	9
5 (2016–2017)	6	1.1	9.0	6.6	26
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.46	8.9	1.3	41
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.50	2.0	1.1	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.50	2.9	1.1	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.50	7.4	3.3	48
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.40	3.4	1.2	44
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.50	2.0	1.2	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.50	3.5	1.5	35
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.50	5.4	2.4	52
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.28	1.1	0.71	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.50	4.4	1.0	17
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.50	4.0	1.5	10
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.72	54	4.0	33
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.42	1.1	0.75	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.50	2.2	1.2	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.50	6.6	1.6	32
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.50	8.3	2.0	18
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.50	3.7	1.3	45
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.50	14	3.7	51
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.77	6.2	2.6	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.1	20	2.6	31
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the sum of α-HBCD, β-HBCD, γ-HBCD is calculated. If the value of an isomer is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all isomers are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the sum will be the sum of the imputed values.
Table 8.1.8 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.8 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.1.9
Total hexabromocyclododecane (sum of α-HBCD, β-HBCD, γ-HBCD) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0022	0.073	0.0084	29
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0019	0.033	0.0088	11
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0016	0.32	0.015	10
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0017	0.046	0.0057	25
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0022	0.073	0.0085	31
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0019	0.033	0.0089	11
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0016	0.32	0.015	13
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0017	0.028	0.0055	29
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0025	0.021	0.0060	14
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0019	0.029	0.0084	15
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0016	0.045	0.011	2
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0021	0.046	0.0060	21
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0022	0.073	0.011	39
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0032	0.033	0.0095	8
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0020	0.32	0.018	18
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0038	0.011	0.0065	10
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0045	0.012	0.0060	10
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0046	0.043	0.029	32
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0024	0.046	0.0069	41
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0022	0.010	0.0051	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0023	0.014	0.0050	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0018	0.027	0.011	44
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0020	0.017	0.0062	44
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0024	0.0080	0.0050	18
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0022	0.018	0.0068	41
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0016	0.022	0.0094	57
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0017	0.0068	0.0042	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0025	0.021	0.0053	10
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0019	0.023	0.0082	26
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0035	0.32	0.021	40
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0029	0.0074	0.0051	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0028	0.013	0.0068	18
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0022	0.033	0.0084	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0028	0.045	0.011	19
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0034	0.028	0.0090	47
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0030	0.073	0.020	50
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0041	0.029	0.013	18
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0058	0.10	0.014	27
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the sum of α-HBCD, β-HBCD, γ-HBCD is calculated. If the value of an isomer is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all isomers are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the sum will be the sum of the imputed values.
Table 8.1.9 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.1.9 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

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Abdallah, M.A.E., Harrad, S. (2011). Tetrabromobisphenol-A, hexabromocyclododecane and its degradation products in UK human milk: Relationship to external exposure. Environment International, 37(2), 443–448.

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UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

8.2 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of structurally similar brominated hydrocarbons where 1–10 bromine atoms are attached to the benzene rings of the diphenyl ether. There are 209 possible molecular combinations, or congeners, varying in the number of bromine atoms and their locations on the two rings. The PBDE congeners are named based on their structure, but are more commonly referred to by their International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) number. This approach systematically assigns numbers to the different congeners, with higher numbers assigned to those with a larger number of bromine atoms. Congeners are commonly classified into 10 groups designated as mono (one bromine atom) through deca (10 bromine atoms) (ATSDR, 2017). Table 8.2.1 lists the 23 PBDE congeners measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).

Table 8.2.1
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey
IUPAC no.	Compound name	CASRN	Cycle 1 (2007–2009)	Cycle 3 (2012-2013)	Cycle 4 (2014-2015)	Cycle 5 (2016-2017)
PBDE 15	4,4'-Dibromodiphenyl ether	2050-47-7	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 17	2,2',4-Tribromodiphenyl ether	147217-75-2	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 28	2,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether	41318-75-6	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 37	3,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether	1472217-81-0	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 47	2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether	5436-43-1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PBDE 66	2,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether	189084-61-5	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 71	2,3',4',6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether	189084-62-6	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 75	2,4,4′,6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether	189084-63-7	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 77	3,3′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether	93703-48-1	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 85	2,2’,3,4,4’-Pentabromodiphenyl ether	182346-21-0	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 99	2,2',4,4',5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether	60348-60-9	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PBDE 100	2,2',4,4'6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether	189084-64-8	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PBDE 119	2,3′,4,4′,6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether	189084-66-0	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 126	3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether	366791-32-4	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 138	2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-Hexabromodiphenyl ether	182677-30-1	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 153	2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether	68631-49-2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PBDE 154	2,2’,4,4’,5,6’-Hexabromodiphenyl ether	207122-15-4	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 160	2,3,3',4,5,6-Hexabromodiphenyl ether	NA	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 181	2,2′,3,4,4′,5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether	189084-67-1	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 183	2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether	207122-16-5	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 190	2,3,3',4,4',5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether	189084-68-2	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 205	2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6-Octabromodiphenyl ether	446255-56-7	Yes	No	No	No
PBDE 209	2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decabromodiphenyl ether	1163-19-5	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

PBDEs are produced synthetically as mixtures (containing varying combinations of PBDEs) and are used as flame retardants. Production of three commercial PBDE products (pentaBDE, octaBDE and decaBDE) began in the late 1970s (ATSDR, 2017). Each commercial product is a mixture of various congeners. Commercial pentaBDE is predominantly composed of tetraBDE, pentaBDE and hexaBDE congeners; commercial octaBDE is mainly composed of hexaBDE, heptaBDE and octaBDE; and commercial decaBDE is almost completely composed of decaBDE. The commercial products differ in composition, use, manufactured volume, toxicology and environmental distribution. In product applications, PBDEs are physically mixed rather than chemically bonded (ATSDR, 2017). These products were never manufactured in Canada. However, they have been imported as part of chemical formulations — such as resins, polymers or substrates that contain PBDEs — and in semi-finished or finished articles, such as computer housings, household appliances, furniture and automotive/aircraft seating and interiors, as well as in a variety of electrical and electronic components (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2016). The use of commercial pentaBDE and octaBDE mixtures has been phased out globally since 2006 and prohibited in Canada since 2008 (Environment Canada, 2010b; Health Canada, 2019). Export to Canada of the commercial decaBDE mixture manufactured in the United States ended in mid-2012, and there are currently no known Canadian users or importers (Health Canada, 2019). However, commercial decaBDE is still used in certain manufactured items imported into Canada, such as automotive parts and pallets (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018). In addition, PBDEs may be present in manufactured items made from recycled plastics containing PBDEs, including pens, shredders, staplers and wire spools (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018).

PBDEs do not generally occur naturally in the environment. However, other types of brominated diphenyl ethers (e.g. methoxylated PBDEs) have been found to occur naturally in marine environments (Teuten et al., 2005). Entry into the environment may occur throughout their life cycles — from handling and manufacturing through to product use and disposal. PBDEs in existing stock of in-use products continue to be a source of PBDEs in the environment. PBDEs have been detected in a wide array of environmental media, including air, water, soil and biota (ATSDR, 2017; EPA, 2010). Once in the environment, PBDEs are persistent, and most congeners are considered bioaccumulative (ATSDR, 2017). Half-lives vary by congener, with estimates ranging from less than a day in water to up to 50 years in sediment (ATSDR, 2017). Certain PBDEs also have the ability to undergo long-range transport in the atmosphere (Environment Canada, 2010b). They have been detected in air, sediments, water and biota in remote places far from areas of use (NCP, 2013). Monitoring of ambient air and biota in Canada’s Arctic indicates that levels of PBDEs generally increased from the 1990s until the early 2000s, but are now declining (NCP, 2013).

The predominant routes of exposure to PBDEs in the general Canadian population are the ingestion of food (including breast milk) and the inhalation and ingestion of house dust (Health Canada, 2006; Health Canada, 2012). Other minor routes of exposure include inhalation from the off-gassing of furniture and electrical and electronic appliances into indoor air as well as dermal exposure through contact with PBDE-containing products, such as textiles and polymers (Health Canada, 2006; Health Canada, 2012). The specific PBDE congeners in food and house dust vary. Globally, PBDEs 47, 99 and 209 are the highest contributors to PBDE levels in food (Boucher et al., 2018). Dietary studies have demonstrated that fish and other aquatic foods generally have the highest levels of PBDEs, followed by meat and meat products (Boucher et al., 2018; Fromme et al., 2016). Studies conducted on house dust in Canada reported that among the PBDEs tested, the most abundant congeners were PBDEs 47, 99, 100, 153 and 209 (Abbasi et al., 2016; Shoeib et al., 2012; Wilford et al., 2005). In children aged six months to four years, evidence suggests that mouthing of hard plastic toys may be an important route of exposure, with PBDE 209 as the main contributor (Chen, et al., 2009; Ionas et al., 2014).

PBDEs are variably absorbed following oral exposure; lower-brominated congener groups, such as tetraBDE, pentaBDE and hexaBDE, are more likely than decaBDE to enter the body (ATSDR, 2017; EFSA, 2011). The extent of absorption following inhalation is unknown due to the paucity of evidence in humans and laboratory animals (ATSDR, 2017). Once absorbed, the higher brominated PBDEs undergo debromination to form lower-brominated congeners (ATSDR, 2017; Health Canada, 2012). The lower-brominated PBDEs are persistent and accumulate preferentially in adipose tissue. Studies in humans have demonstrated transplacental transfer of PBDEs to developing fetuses. PBDEs have been measured in human adipose tissue, serum and breast milk (ATSDR, 2017). Elimination of PBDEs from the body occurs mainly through the feces, with a very small amount eliminated in urine (ATSDR, 2017). Higher brominated congeners tend to have shorter half-lives than lower-brominated congeners; apparent half-lives for PBDE congeners in blood have been observed to range from 15 days for decaBDE to as high as 94 days for octaBDE congeners (ATSDR, 2017). The presence of a lower-brominated congener in the body may reflect environmental exposure, either to that congener or to a higher brominated PBDE that has undergone debromination. The predominant congeners identified in breast milk and other human tissues are PBDEs 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 (McDonald, 2005).

Based on studies in laboratory animals and humans, the primary targets of PBDE toxicity appear to be the developing nervous and reproductive systems, the endocrine system, the liver and the male reproductive system (ATSDR, 2017). Epidemiological studies in humans have demonstrated correlations between PBDE exposures and various neurodevelopmental effects, including attention problems and impaired fine motor coordination (ATSDR, 2017). Data from humans and animals suggest that PBDEs, especially lower-brominated PBDEs, can interact with thyroid hormone homeostasis and male reproductive systems; animal studies have indicated the potential for hepatotoxicity (ATSDR, 2017). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (1990, 2019) has classified decaBDE as Group 3 (not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans). The carcinogenicities of lower-brominated PBDE congeners have not been evaluated.

PBDEs — specifically tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE, heptaBDE, octaBDE, nonaBDE and decaBDE congeners — are listed in Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, under Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and are classified as persistent organic pollutants by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Canada, 1999; Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2016; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers these PBDE congeners to be persistent; however, only tetraBDE, pentaBDE and hexaBDEs are considered bioaccumulative (Canada, 2000; Environment Canada, 2006). As such, tetraBDE, pentaBDE and hexaBDEs are targeted for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substances) (Environment Canada, 2010a). CEPA 1999 risk management actions have been developed to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale and import of PBDEs, with an exemption for manufactured items (Canada, 2012). Environment and Climate Change Canada (2018) has proposed regulatory amendments to remove the exemptions (except for decaBDE). PBDEs have also been analyzed as part of Health Canada's Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016). Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to eliminate the import, export, production and use of PBDEs through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

PBDEs have been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools, and the highest concentrations were measured for PBDEs 47 and 99. Mean concentrations ranged from 11–340 ng/g lipid for PBDE 47 and from 2.5–470 ng/g lipid for PBDE 99. Another study, the Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study, was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools. As with the other regional biomonitoring studies, PBDE 47 was the most highly detected, with concentrations ranging from 7.3–29 ng/g lipid. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for eight PBDEs (PBDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209). The highest concentration was measured for PBDE 47, with a geometric mean of 15.33 ng/g lipid.

PBDEs have also been measured in individual plasma samples as part of the CHMS and other Canadian biomonitoring studies. During cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the CHMS, the geometric mean PBDE 47 level in individual blood plasma samples from the Canadian population aged 20–79 was 10.04 ng/g lipid (Health Canada, 2010). Geometric means were not calculated for the remaining PBDEs (PBDEs 15, 17, 25, 28, 33, 99, 100 and 153) due to low detection levels. Higher plasma levels of PBDE 47 and PBDE 100 were associated with an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in adult women aged 30–79 in cycle 1 of the CHMS (Oulhote et al., 2016). The population coverage of the CHMS excludes persons living on reserves and in other Indigenous settlements in Canadian provinces. However, this subpopulation has been surveyed as part of the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI), a nationally representative biomonitoring study of adult First Nations peoples living on reserves south of the 60th parallel (AFN, 2013). The study comprised 13 randomly selected First Nations communities in Canada with 471 First Nations participants aged 20 and older. In 2011, the geometric mean for PBDE 47 in blood plasma was 6.40 ng/g lipid. As with the CHMS, geometric means were not calculated for additional PBDEs included in the FNBI due to low detection levels.

The Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study is a national-level prospective cohort study that recruited 2,001 pregnant women aged 18 years and older from 10 cities across Canada from 2008–2011 (Arbuckle et al., 2013). There were 1,983 participants. Among them, 1,928 had available samples for PBDE analysis in their first trimester of pregnancy. The geometric mean concentration in maternal blood plasma was 7.02 ng/g lipid for PBDE 47; it was not calculated for the remaining PBDEs (PBDEs 28, 33, 99, 100 and 153) due to low detection levels (Fisher et al., 2016). In northern Canada, the contaminant component of the Inuit Health Survey (2007–2008) and the Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (2004) measured the body burden of PBDEs in 3,083 Inuit participants from communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (NCP, 2018). The geometric means for PBDEs 47, 99, 100, 153 and 209 in plasma for participants aged 18 years and older ranged from below the limit of detection to 28 ng/g lipid, with the highest concentrations measured for PBDEs 47 and 209.

Twenty-three PBDE congeners (Table 8.2.1) were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1.Five PBDE congeners — PBDEs 47, 99, 100, 153 and 209 — were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of PBDE congeners in serum is an indicator of exposure to PBDEs. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Rawn et al. (2014) published PBDE data from pooled serum samples collected in cycle 1 of the CHMS. These previously published results were generated using a different statistical approach. As a result, they are not directly comparable with the data presented in this report.

Table 8.2.2
4,4'-Dibromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 15) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.66	0.22	15
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.66	0.21	34
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.12	0.45	0.23	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.22	0.13	19
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.13	0.20	0.15	5
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.37	0.18	33
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.12	0.66	0.29	10
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.42	0.23	15
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.0096 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.3
4,4'-Dibromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 15) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0045	0.0014	17
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0045	0.0014	35
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00065	0.0028	0.0014	0
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0011	0.00069	18
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00065	0.0010	0.00075	5
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0023	0.0011	34
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.00083	0.0045	0.0019	12
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0028	0.0016	16
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.2.
Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.4
2,2',4-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 17) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.071	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.071	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.058	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.058	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.071	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.029	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.020	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.030	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.015 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.4 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.5
2,2',4-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 17) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00036	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00036	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.00030	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00030	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00036	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.00017	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00014	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00020	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.4.
Table 8.2.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.6
2,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 28) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.66	1.8	1.1	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.73	1.7	0.99	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.66	1.8	1.1	4
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.66	1.4	0.98	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.73	1.5	0.94	9
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.76	1.3	1.0	15
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.67	1.7	1.1	6
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.83	1.8	1.2	8
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.015 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.6 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.6 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.7
2,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 28) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0036	0.012	0.0067	6
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0038	0.012	0.0063	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0036	0.012	0.0071	6
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0036	0.0073	0.0052	4
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0038	0.0081	0.0048	10
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0042	0.0079	0.0060	17
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0046	0.012	0.0075	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0057	0.012	0.0084	8
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.6.
Table 8.2.7 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.7 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.8
3,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 37) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.016	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.016	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.013 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.8 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.8 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.9
3,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 37) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00066	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00066	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.00013	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.000088	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00010	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.00066	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00014	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00012	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.8.
Table 8.2.9 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.9 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.10
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 47) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	6.4	120	20	19
4 (2014–2015)	67	4.4	27	13	5
5 (2016–2017)	67	5.5	49	13	17
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	12	42	23	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	6.4	120	20	19
4 (2014–2015)	61	4.4	27	13	5
5 (2016–2017)	61	5.5	49	13	17
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	12	35	22	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	8.0	35	15	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	4.4	27	12	5
5 (2016–2017)	31	5.8	34	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	12	42	24	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	6.4	120	25	25
4 (2014–2015)	30	6.4	20	13	4
5 (2016–2017)	30	5.5	49	17	31
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	14	29	21	23
4 (2014–2015)	6	10	21	12	3
5 (2016–2017)	6	9.0	21	12	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	20	42	31	12
3 (2012–2013)	11	12	35	18	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.2	20	13	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	10	31	16	20
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	19	38	25	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	12	33	20	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	10	20	14	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	8.9	21	13	4
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	14	32	22	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	6.4	120	16	18
4 (2014–2015)	13	4.4	20	11	3
5 (2016–2017)	13	5.8	49	15	50
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	12	41	22	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	8.0	58	21	35
4 (2014–2015)	12	7.9	14	11	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	5.5	13	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	12	35	21	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	11	39	24	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.2	27	17	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	6.7	34	15	8
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.016, 0.058, 0.022 and 0.019 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 8.2.10 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.10 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.11
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 47) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.034	0.62	0.11	20
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.028	0.13	0.066	8
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.028	0.20	0.062	12
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.077	0.30	0.14	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.034	0.62	0.11	20
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.028	0.13	0.066	8
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.028	0.20	0.063	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.077	0.25	0.13	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.048	0.17	0.081	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.028	0.13	0.064	3
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.028	0.19	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.083	0.30	0.15	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.034	0.62	0.13	26
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.038	0.11	0.069	13
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.035	0.20	0.076	26
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.057	0.14	0.096	31
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.050	0.090	0.057	1
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.043	0.084	0.051	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.11	0.22	0.16	12
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.053	0.15	0.084	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.040	0.090	0.056	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.040	0.11	0.056	15
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.099	0.19	0.13	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.054	0.13	0.085	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.038	0.095	0.062	8
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.036	0.084	0.049	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.077	0.19	0.13	18
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.034	0.62	0.084	11
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.028	0.078	0.057	14
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.028	0.20	0.064	43
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.083	0.30	0.15	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.048	0.35	0.13	36
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.043	0.086	0.063	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.035	0.071	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.090	0.25	0.14	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.066	0.21	0.13	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.049	0.13	0.092	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.041	0.19	0.081	3
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.2.10.
Table 8.2.11 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.11 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.12
2,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 66) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.27	0.12	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.23	0.12	4
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.048	0.27	0.12	0
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.075	0.25	0.13	11
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.092	0.22	0.14	11
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.053	0.18	0.10	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.27	0.13	7
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.044	0.23	0.10	14
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.024 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.12 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.12 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.13
2,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 66) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0019	0.00074	3
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0017	0.00074	4
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00033	0.0019	0.00073	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00042	0.0013	0.00066	11
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00047	0.0011	0.00069	12
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.00033	0.0010	0.00062	2
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0019	0.00089	7
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.00033	0.0017	0.00070	14
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.12.
Table 8.2.13 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.13 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.14
2,3',4',6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 71) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.35	0.12	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.35	0.13	26
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.35	0.12	25
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.33	0.12	42
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.35	0.11	35
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.33	0.097	11
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.35	0.17	23
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.28	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.026 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.14 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.14 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.15
2,3',4',6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 71) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0025	0.00078	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0019	0.00079	28
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0025	0.00077	21
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0017	0.00060	41
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0018	0.00055	36
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0019	0.00057	11
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0025	0.0011	25
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0019	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.14.
Table 8.2.15 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.15 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.16
2,4,4′,6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 75) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.036	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.036	0.020	22
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.026	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.035	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.017 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.16 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.16 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.17
2,4,4′,6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 75) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00027	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00025	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.00027	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00018	0.00011	22
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.00016	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00027	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00025	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.16.
Table 8.2.17 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.17 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.18
3,3′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 77) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.025	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.025	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.019	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.025	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.013 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.18 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.18 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.19
3,3′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 77) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00017	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00017	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.00013	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.000062	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.00010	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00017	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.000083	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.18.
Table 8.2.19 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.19 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.20
2,2’,3,4,4’-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 85) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.15	3.8	0.44	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.15	3.8	0.41	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.18	1.2	0.48	9
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.25	1.2	0.57	31
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.30	0.59	0.42	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.15	3.8	0.48	6
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.18	0.96	0.41	7
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.19	0.89	0.40	21
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.027 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.20 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.20 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.21
2,2’,3,4,4’-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 85) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.00083	0.022	0.0027	6
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.00083	0.022	0.0025	1
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0012	0.0066	0.0029	11
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0014	0.0062	0.0030	31
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0016	0.0030	0.0021	0
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0008	0.022	0.0028	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0012	0.0066	0.0028	7
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0013	0.0059	0.0027	21
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.20.
Table 8.2.21 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.21 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.22
2,2',4,4',5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 99) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.5	17	4.5	19
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	6.1	2.5	2
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.75	17	3.1	22
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	1.9	61	5.4	4
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.5	17	4.5	19
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	6.0	2.5	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.75	17	3.1	23
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	1.9	61	5.5	12
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.8	9.9	3.4	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	6.0	2.4	2
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.75	10	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	2.9	11	5.2	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	1.5	17	5.5	30
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.059	5.5	2.5	7
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.77	17	4.2	43
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	3.1	7.5	4.7	13
4 (2014–2015)	6	2.7	6.1	3.4	0
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.2	4.9	3.2	11
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	4.4	11	7.7	11
3 (2012–2013)	11	2.4	9.9	3.8	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.4	5.9	3.2	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.0	8.0	4.4	37
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.8	9.0	5.5	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.0	9.0	4.3	25
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.98	5.5	2.7	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.8	5.5	2.7	4
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	2.7	61	5.9	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.5	4.8	3.0	11
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	3.6	1.7	31
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.75	17	4.1	65
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.8	11	5.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.8	17	5.6	43
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.2	4.0	2.2	15
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.77	2.8	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.9	9.2	4.0	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.1	8.3	5.3	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.2	6.0	3.8	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.2	10	3.4	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.020, 0.12, 0.10 and 0.076 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 8.2.22 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.22 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.23
2,2',4,4',5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 99) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0080	0.10	0.024	22
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.029	0.013	10
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0036	0.068	0.015	17
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.014	0.35	0.033	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0080	0.10	0.024	22
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.029	0.013	10
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0036	0.068	0.015	17
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.014	0.35	0.034	11
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.011	0.044	0.018	2
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.028	0.013	9
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0036	0.057	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.019	0.076	0.032	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0080	0.10	0.030	32
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.00037	0.029	0.013	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0049	0.068	0.019	37
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.014	0.030	0.021	21
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.014	0.026	0.017	1
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.011	0.020	0.014	7
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.024	0.057	0.040	11
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.011	0.044	0.017	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.011	0.027	0.014	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0072	0.023	0.015	34
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.020	0.046	0.028	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.010	0.036	0.018	24
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0053	0.021	0.012	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0068	0.022	0.010	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.015	0.35	0.035	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0080	0.025	0.015	5
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.018	0.0084	15
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0036	0.068	0.017	59
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.018	0.076	0.034	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.011	0.10	0.033	44
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0056	0.029	0.013	33
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0049	0.016	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.014	0.062	0.027	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.013	0.044	0.030	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.011	0.028	0.020	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0073	0.057	0.018	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.2.22.
Table 8.2.23 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.23 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.24
2,2',4,4',6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 100) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.2	10	3.7	11
4 (2014–2015)	67	1.0	5.3	2.6	5
5 (2016–2017)	67	1.2	11	2.8	15
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	2.0	11	4.4	8
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.2	10	3.7	11
4 (2014–2015)	61	1.0	5.3	2.6	5
5 (2016–2017)	61	1.2	11	2.8	16
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	2.3	11	4.2	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.8	6.6	3.0	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	1.0	5.3	2.6	8
5 (2016–2017)	31	1.2	6.0	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	2.0	8.4	4.6	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	1.2	10	4.4	17
4 (2014–2015)	30	1.6	4.6	2.7	2
5 (2016–2017)	30	1.2	11	3.5	28
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	3.1	5.5	4.3	16
4 (2014–2015)	6	2.3	4.7	2.6	1
5 (2016–2017)	6	1.9	4.5	2.9	10
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	4.2	8.0	6.2	6
3 (2012–2013)	11	2.3	6.6	3.6	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.8	4.6	2.7	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.1	7.4	3.7	28
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.2	5.3	4.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.8	9.2	3.4	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.9	4.6	2.7	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.5	4.0	2.4	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	2.9	11	4.8	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.2	5.3	2.6	1
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.0	3.8	2.3	5
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.2	11	3.3	49
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.0	8.4	4.0	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.8	10	4.0	30
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.6	2.7	2.2	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.2	3.1	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	2.3	8.0	3.9	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.1	7.9	5.1	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.4	5.3	3.7	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.7	6.0	3.0	12
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.011, 0.10, 0.061 and 0.096 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 8.2.24 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.24 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.25
2,2',4,4',6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 100) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0064	0.060	0.020	12
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0064	0.027	0.014	8
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0053	0.044	0.013	10
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.014	0.064	0.027	9
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0064	0.060	0.020	12
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0064	0.027	0.014	8
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0053	0.044	0.013	11
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.016	0.064	0.026	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0081	0.035	0.016	2
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0064	0.027	0.013	0
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0053	0.034	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.014	0.059	0.028	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0064	0.060	0.024	18
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0076	0.022	0.014	15
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0076	0.044	0.016	22
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.013	0.026	0.019	24
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.011	0.020	0.013	1
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0091	0.018	0.012	7
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.023	0.042	0.032	6
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.011	0.029	0.017	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0079	0.021	0.012	5
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0076	0.019	0.012	23
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.017	0.029	0.021	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0081	0.037	0.015	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0076	0.017	0.012	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0060	0.016	0.0094	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.016	0.064	0.028	17
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0064	0.027	0.014	6
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0064	0.016	0.012	11
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0053	0.044	0.014	42
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.014	0.059	0.027	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.010	0.060	0.023	31
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0086	0.019	0.013	20
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0076	0.018	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.016	0.054	0.027	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.018	0.042	0.028	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.013	0.027	0.020	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.010	0.034	0.016	8
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.2.24.
Table 8.2.25 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.25 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.26
2,3′,4,4′,6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 119) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.078	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.078	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.078	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.020	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.016 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.26 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.26 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.27
2,3′,4,4′,6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 119) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00045	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00045	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.00028	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.00045	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00028	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00013	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.26.
Table 8.2.27 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.27 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.28
3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 126) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.019 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.28 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.28 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.29
3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 126) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.28.
Table 8.2.29 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.29 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.30
2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 138) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.9	0.25	25
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	1.9	0.16	1
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	1.1	0.34	36
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.1	0.35	61
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.21	0.12	13
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	1.9	0.33	39
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.49	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	1.0	0.36	52
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.13 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.30 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.30 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.31
2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 138) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.011	0.0015	29
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.011	0.0010	5
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0067	0.0021	40
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0057	0.0019	62
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0010	0.0006	12
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.011	0.0020	41
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0036	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0066	0.0025	52
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.30.
Table 8.2.31 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.31 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.32
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 153) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	5.5	20	10	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	3.5	24	9.8	9
5 (2016–2017)	67	3.2	17	9.3	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	4.7	21	9.9	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	5.5	20	10	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	3.5	24	10	8
5 (2016–2017)	61	3.2	17	9.4	8
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	4.7	20	8.9	15
3 (2012–2013)	29	5.5	17	8.6	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	3.5	14	8.9	14
5 (2016–2017)	31	3.2	16	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	5.8	21	11	7
3 (2012–2013)	30	6.3	20	12	5
4 (2014–2015)	30	6.8	24	11	4
5 (2016–2017)	30	4.9	17	9.7	12
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	5.6	11	6.7	7
4 (2014–2015)	6	4.3	7.6	5.6	22
5 (2016–2017)	6	4.2	9.9	5.6	1
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	10	20	13	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	6.3	13	9.2	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	5.0	8.9	7.8	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.7	14	7.7	17
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	5.3	12	7.7	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	5.9	20	8.1	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	5.0	9.9	7.5	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.2	13	7.0	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	6.3	20	12	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	5.5	10	7.5	1
4 (2014–2015)	13	3.5	16	9.3	26
5 (2016–2017)	13	4.6	17	9.1	19
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	5.6	17	9.2	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	7.1	17	12	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	6.3	24	10	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	6.1	12	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	4.7	21	8.4	23
3 (2012–2013)	12	8.1	20	13	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	8.4	15	13	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.2	16	11	12
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.12, 0.087, 0.060 and 0.088 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 8.2.32 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.32 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.33
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 153) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.023	0.10	0.054	0
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.019	0.16	0.051	5
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.015	0.091	0.046	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.028	0.14	0.062	12
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.026	0.10	0.055	0
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.019	0.16	0.052	6
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.015	0.091	0.047	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.028	0.11	0.056	16
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.026	0.096	0.046	8
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.019	0.077	0.046	4
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.015	0.091	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.040	0.14	0.068	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.030	0.10	0.064	6
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.030	0.16	0.059	14
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.018	0.080	0.047	5
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.023	0.044	0.030	15
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.022	0.038	0.027	21
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.020	0.036	0.023	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.052	0.11	0.071	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.030	0.057	0.042	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.021	0.039	0.034	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.018	0.038	0.026	12
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.028	0.060	0.039	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.026	0.080	0.035	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.025	0.041	0.032	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.015	0.052	0.026	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.035	0.13	0.069	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.028	0.052	0.039	5
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.019	0.070	0.047	11
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.023	0.068	0.041	12
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.040	0.12	0.063	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.040	0.095	0.069	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.028	0.16	0.059	22
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.038	0.067	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.032	0.14	0.059	24
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.049	0.10	0.074	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.043	0.093	0.067	5
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.037	0.091	0.058	8
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.2.32.
Table 8.2.33 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.33 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.34
2,2’,4,4’,5,6’-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 154) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.22	6.4	0.54	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.26	6.4	0.53	15
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.22	0.97	0.54	13
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.41	0.97	0.68	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.35	0.69	0.47	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.27	6.4	0.65	13
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.22	0.91	0.45	13
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.28	0.96	0.46	13
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.079 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.34 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.34 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.35
2,2’,4,4’,5,6’-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 154) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0015	0.037	0.0033	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0016	0.037	0.0032	14
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0015	0.0066	0.0034	15
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0023	0.0050	0.0036	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0018	0.0035	0.0024	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0016	0.037	0.0039	11
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0015	0.0066	0.0031	13
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0019	0.0064	0.0032	13
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.34.
Table 8.2.35 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.35 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.36
2,3,3',4,5,6-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 160) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.83	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.95	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.38	0.16	23
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	1.3	0.21	3
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.77	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.83	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.24 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.36 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.36 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.37
2,3,3',4,5,6-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 160) (whole weight) thmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0075	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0075	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0056	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0019	0.00081	23
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0075	0.0013	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0055	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0056	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.36.
Table 8.2.37 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.37 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.38
2,2′,3,4,4′,5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 181) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00043	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00043	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00043	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.38.
Table 8.2.38 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.38 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.39
2,2′,3,4,4′,5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 181) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.00043	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00043	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00043	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.38.
Table 8.2.39 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.39 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.40
2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 183) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.270	2.4	0.46	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.270	2.4	0.39	5
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.270	2.1	0.52	6
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.270	0.52	0.39	9
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.270	2.1	0.66	43
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.270	2.4	0.39	7
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.340	0.73	0.47	11
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.280	0.76	0.46	5
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.032 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.40 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.40 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.41
2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 183) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0013	0.015	0.0029	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0013	0.015	0.0025	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0015	0.010	0.0032	1
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0015	0.0027	0.0021	9
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0013	0.010	0.0033	42
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0016	0.015	0.0024	10
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0023	0.0053	0.0032	12
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0021	0.0057	0.0032	4
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.40.
Table 8.2.41 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.41 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.42
2,3,3',4,4',5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 190) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.42	0.080	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.42	0.097	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.19	0.073	27
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.42	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.11	0.070	19
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.17	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.16	0.10	25
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.064 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.42 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.42 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.43
2,3,3',4,4',5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 190) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.42	0.080	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.42	0.097	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.19	0.073	27
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.42	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.11	0.070	19
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.17	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.16	0.10	25
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.064 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.43 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.43 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.44
2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6-Octabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 205) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.075 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.2.44 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.44 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.45
2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6-Octabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 205) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 8.2.44.
Table 8.2.45 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.45 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.46
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	440	12	41
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	160	25	56
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	87	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	9.6	1.9	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	440	12	41
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	160	25	58
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	87	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	9.6	1.7	17
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	440	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	160	30	55
5 (2016–2017)	31	2.1	56	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	7.2	2.1	18
3 (2012–2013)	30	2.7	77	10	35
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	120	20	63
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	87	8.8	33
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	2.6	6.6	4.6	25
4 (2014–2015)	6	6.8	38	17	46
5 (2016–2017)	6	9.9	52	28	56
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.5	9.6	4.3	31
3 (2012–2013)	11	4.1	440	26	72
4 (2014–2015)	12	6.0	60	16	34
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.5	87	27	70
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	4.0	1.3	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.5	32	6.4	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.6	120	25	62
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	15	7.0	39
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	7.2	2.0	25
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	35	7.9	25
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.3	160	36	85
5 (2016–2017)	13	2.6	17	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	2.9	1.5	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.8	66	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	45	20	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.8	15	6.1	1
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	4.3	2.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.3	100	20	74
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	66	21	38
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.9	56	NC-M	NC-M
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.11, 0.20, 0.44 and 0.15 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 8.2.46 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.46 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.2.47
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	1.8	0.061	41
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.59	0.12	46
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.31	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.050	0.012	4
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	1.8	0.062	41
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.59	0.12	48
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.31	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.050	0.011	15
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	1.8	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.59	0.14	45
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0097	0.30	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.046	0.013	21
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.010	0.41	0.053	36
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.46	0.094	53
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.31	0.040	22
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.012	0.029	0.020	17
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.029	0.17	0.084	47
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.040	0.22	0.13	59
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.014	0.050	0.022	30
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.019	1.8	0.11	68
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.026	0.30	0.072	36
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.010	0.31	0.099	70
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.022	0.0066	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.010	0.13	0.027	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.019	0.46	0.10	55
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.048	0.026	32
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.046	0.012	27
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.18	0.040	20
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0083	0.59	0.16	80
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.014	0.077	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.021	0.010	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.018	0.40	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.29	0.10	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.015	0.086	0.035	1
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.031	0.014	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.014	0.60	0.11	74
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.27	0.10	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.022	0.30	NC-M	NC-M
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 8.2.46.
Table 8.2.47 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.2.47 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

Abbasi, G., Saini, A., Goosey, E., Diamond, M.L. (2016). Product screening for sources of halogenated flame retardants in Canadian house and office dust. Science of the Total Environment, 545–546, 299–307.

AFN (Assembly of First Nations) (2013). First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative: National results (2011). Assembly of First Nations, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

Arbuckle, T.E., Fraser, W.D., Fisher, M., Davis, K., Liang, C.L., Lupien, N., Bastien, S., Velez, M.P., von Dadelszen, P., Hemmings, D.G., et al. (2013). Cohort Profile: The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Research Platform. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 27(4), 415–425.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry) (2017). Toxicological Profile for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved July 24, 2019.

Boucher, B.A., Ennis, J.K., Tsirlin, D., Harris, S.A. (2018). A global database of polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant congeners in foods and supplements. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 69, 171–188.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (2000). Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations. SOR/2000-107. Retrieved November 12, 2019.

Canada (2012). Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. SOR/ 2012-285. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Chen, S.J., Ma, Y.J., Wang, J., Chen, D., Luo, X.J., Mai, B.X. (2009). Brominated flame retardants in children’s toys: concentration, composition, and children’s exposure and risk assessment. Environmental Science and Technology, 43, 4200–4206.

EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (2011). Scientific Opinion on Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Food. EFSA Journal, 9(5), 2156.

Environment Canada (2006). Ecological Screening Assessment Report on Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved November 25, 2019.

Environment Canada (2010a). Ecological State of the Science Report on Decabromodiphenyl Ether (decaBDE). Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved January 17, 2020.

Environment Canada (2010b). Risk Management Strategy for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved July 24, 2019.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2016). Toxic substances list: PBDEs. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2018). Consultation Document on Proposed Amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 for PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD, PBDEs, DP and DBDPE (December 2018). Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved November 21, 2019.

EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) (2010). An Exposure Assessment of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) (Final). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. Retrieved March 12, 2020.

Fisher, M., Arbuckle, T.E., Liang, C.L., Leblanc, A., Gaudreau, E., Foster, W.G., Haines, D., Davis, K., Fraser, W.D. (2016). Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in maternal and cord blood from the maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals (MIREC) cohort study. Environmental Health, 15(1), 59.

Fromme, H., Becher, G., Hilger, B., Völkel, W. (2016). Brominated flame retardants — Exposure and risk assessment for the general population. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 219(1), 1–23.

Health Canada (2006). State of the Science Report for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved July 25, 2019.

Health Canada (2012). Human Health State of the Science Report on Decabromodiphenyl Ether (decaBDE). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved July 24, 2019.

Health Canada (2016). Concentration of Contaminants and Other Chemicals in Food Composites. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Health Canada (2019). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) — information sheet. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved November 25, 2019.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (1990). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans — Volume 48: Some Flame Retardants and Textile Chemicals, and Exposures in the Textile Manufacturing Industry. World Health Organization, Lyon. Retrieved November 22, 2019.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (2019). List of Classifications: Agents classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–125. World Health Organization, Lyon. Retrieved January 16, 2020.

Ionas, A.C, Dirtu, A.C., Anthonissen, T., Neels, H., Covaci, A. (2014). Downsides of the recycling process: Harmful organic chemicals in children's toys. Environment International, 65, 54–62.

McDonald, T.A. (2005). Polybrominated diphenylether levels among United States residents: Daily intake and risk of harm to the developing brain and reproductive organs. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 1: 343–354.

NCP (Northern Contaminants Program) (2018). Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report: Human Health Assessment — 2017. Curren, M.S. (Ed.). Northern Contaminants Program, Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved July 24, 2019.

Oulhote, Y., Chevrier, J., Bouchard, M.F. (2016). Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hypothyroidism in Canadian women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 101(2), 590–598.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

Shoeib, M., Harner, T., Webster, G.M., Sverko, E., Cheng, Y. (2012). Legacy and current-use flame retardants in house dust from Vancouver, Canada. Environmental Pollution, 169, 175–182.

Teuten, E.L., Xu, L., Reddy, C.M. (2005). Two abundant bioaccumulated halogenated compounds are natural products. Science, 307, 917–920.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Wilford, B.H., Shoeib, M., Harner, T., Zhu, J., Jones, K.C. (2005). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor dust in Ottawa, Canada: implications for sources and exposure. Environmental Science and Technology, 39(18), 7027–7035.

8.3 Tetrabromobisphenol A

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA; CASRN 79-94-7) is a brominated flame retardant used in plastics and resins. It is an industrial chemical produced by reacting bromine with bisphenol A. Commercial formulations typically contain around 98% TBBPA (European Chemicals Bureau, 2006). While TBBPA is not known to be manufactured in Canada, it is imported for use as a flame retardant (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). It is primarily used as a reactive flame retardant in epoxy and polycarbonate resins found in printed circuit boards, with a variety of end-use markets that include computers and automotive and consumer electronics (Covaci et al., 2009; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). Flame retardant epoxy resins are also used in glass-reinforced construction panels, motor housings and terminal boards. Flame retardant polycarbonate resins have applications in communications and electronics equipment, appliances, transportation devices, sports and recreation equipment, lighting fixtures and signs (WHO, 1995). TBBPA is also used as a reactive flame retardant in unsaturated polyester resins, which are used to make simulated marble floor tiles, furniture parts, coupling compounds for sewer pipes, and automotive patching compounds, and to encapsulate electrical devices (WHO, 1995). TBBPA is also used as an additive flame retardant in the manufacture of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene resins and phenolic resins and in the production of TBBPA derivatives and oligomers (Covaci et al., 2009; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013).

TBBPA does not occur naturally in the environment. Entry into the environment may occur throughout its life cycle, from manufacture through processing, use and disposal of the substance or products containing it (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). Releases from product applications may occur from volatilization or leaching, particularly when TBBPA is used as an additive flame retardant. TBBPA has been detected in a wide array of environmental media, including air, dust, water and soil (IARC, 2018). Once in the environment, TBBPA is considered persistent but not bioaccumulative (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). Under anaerobic conditions, TBBPA can be microbially transformed to bisphenol A. Half-lives for TBBPA in the environment range from 44–179 days in soil, 48–84 days in water and 1–9 days in air (NTP, 2002). TBBPA has been detected in remote Arctic regions. This suggests it may be capable of undergoing long-range transport (de Wit et al., 2010, Vorkamp et al., 2019).

Known sources of exposure to TBBPA in the general Canadian population are the ingestion of foods (including human breast milk) and the ingestion and inhalation of household dust (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). Additional exposure may also result from environmental sources, such as ambient air, indoor air and drinking water. Consumer exposure to TBBPA directly from product use is likely to be negligible (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013; European Chemicals Bureau, 2006).

Absorption of TBBPA is expected to occur readily following oral exposure, but is limited following inhalation (European Chemicals Bureau, 2006; Knudsen et al., 2015; Yu et al., 2017). Studies in laboratory animals have reported that once TBBPA is absorbed, there is limited distribution and rapid excretion, which suggests that it does not bioaccumulate (European Chemicals Bureau, 2006). A study in laboratory animals demonstrated no significant transfer of TBBPA to developing fetuses ((Meerts et al. 1999, cited in Environment Canada and Health Canada 2013). TBBPA has been measured in human blood, breast milk and adipose tissue (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). Based on studies in laboratory animals, elimination of TBBPA is expected to occur mainly through feces (Kuester et al. 2007; Yu et al., 2016; Yu et al., 2017). In humans, a half-life of approximately two days has been estimated for TBBPA; levels in blood reflect recent exposures (Hagmar et al., 2000).

Human toxicity data are not available for TBBPA exposure, and only limited information from animal studies exists (Wikoff et al., 2015; Yu et al., 2019). Initial assessments of available animal toxicity data did not identify any health effects of concern on the basis of a lack of reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity in laboratory studies (CONTAM, 2011; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013; European Chemicals Bureau, 2006). However, some recent studies in laboratory animals have suggested that TBBPA exposure may disrupt the endocrine system, thyroid hormones and neuro-behavioural functions (Wikoff et al., 2015; Yu et al., 2019). A set of carcinogenicity studies in laboratory animals demonstrated a novel association between TBBPA exposure and increased incidence of uterine epithelial tumours (NTP, 2014). More recently, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in laboratory animals, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2018) classified TBBPA as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A).

In a screening assessment under the Chemicals Management Plan, the Government of Canada concluded that TBBPA is persistent but not bioaccumulative, and does not present a risk to the environment or human health as per the criteria set out in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) (Canada, 1999; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). Based upon the screening assessment, exposure in Canada to TBBPA is currently limited. However, there may be concerns if new activities were to occur that resulted in increased exposure in Canada. The Government of Canada has indicated that it will investigate how best to monitor changes in the use of TBBPA so that it is notified of any new activities pertaining to its use, manufacture or import and can assess the activities for ecological and human health risks (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2013). There are no existing Canadian risk management measures that are specific to controlling the use of TBBPA or its release into the environment (Environment Canada, 2013).

Prior to the release of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) data set, only limited data existed for TBBPA blood levels in Canadians. In 2004 in northern Canada, a large-scale health survey was conducted among permanent Inuit residents of Nunavik aged 18 and older (Dallaire et al., 2009). TBBPA was detected in a small portion (5%) of the 771 plasma samples analyzed, with concentrations ranging from less than the limit of detection (LOD) (10 ng/L) to 82.6 ng/g lipid (480 ng/L). In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study of pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were pooled. TBBPA concentrations were less than the LOD (<0.03 ng/g lipid) in all 158 pools analyzed.

TBBPA was also analyzed in the pooled serum samples of participants aged 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017) of the CHMS. Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of TBBPA in serum is an indicator of exposure to TBBPA. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Table 8.3.1
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.24	4.7	0.61	3
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	6.8	0.90	20
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	11	0.90	39
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.24	4.7	0.59	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	6.8	0.87	17
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	11	0.89	41
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.24	4.7	0.56	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	1.9	0.85	19
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	11	1.3	54
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.29	2.9	0.62	7
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	6.8	0.89	15
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	2.6	0.50	2
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.52	2.3	1.0	35
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.32	3.3	1.7	59
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	1.5	1.1	5
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.31	4.4	0.89	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.7	0.76	31
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	3.9	1.5	30
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.36	0.90	0.70	25
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	6.8	1.3	20
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.2	1.0	21
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.24	4.7	0.51	2
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	1.9	1.2	15
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	11	1.3	56
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.29	2.9	0.58	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.0	0.57	43
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.3	0.49	45
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.39	0.85	0.56	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	3.8	0.75	17
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.0	0.54	3
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.24 ng/g lipid.
Table 8.3.1 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.3.1 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 8.3.2
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0012	0.023	0.0032	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.026	0.0045	8
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.052	0.0043	38
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0012	0.023	0.0031	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.026	0.0043	5
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.052	0.0042	39
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0012	0.023	0.0029	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.011	0.0043	8
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.052	0.0061	54
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0018	0.016	0.0033	6
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.026	0.0043	3
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.012	0.0024	6
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0025	0.0092	0.0044	28
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0016	0.016	0.0082	58
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.0062	0.0048	1
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0015	0.023	0.0041	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0075	0.0034	32
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.014	0.0058	26
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0014	0.0040	0.0030	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.026	0.0053	26
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0088	0.0040	17
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0012	0.023	0.0027	4
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.011	0.0060	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.052	0.0064	55
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0018	0.016	0.0033	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0050	0.0029	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0073	0.0028	44
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0020	0.0046	0.0032	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.017	0.0038	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0050	0.0029	0
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is presented in Table 8.3.1.
Table 8.3.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 8.3.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

CONTAM (EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain) (2011). Scientific Opinion on Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its derivatives in food. EFSA Journal, 9(12), 2477.

Covaci, A., Voorspoels, S., Abdallah, M.A.-E., Geens, T., Harrad, S., Law, R.J. (2009). Analytical and environmental aspects of the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol-A and its derivatives. Journal of Chromatography A, 1216(3), 346–363.

Dallaire, R., Ayotte, P., Pereg, D., Déry, S., Dumas, P., Langlois, É., Dewailly, É. (2009). Determinants of plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate and brominated organic compounds in Nunavik Inuit adults (Canada). Environmental Science and Technology, 43(13), 5130–5136.

de Wit, C.A., Herzke, D., Vorkamp, K. (2010). Brominated flame retardants in the Arctic environment — trends and new candidates. Science of the Total Environment, 408(15), 2885–2918.

Environment Canada and Health Canada (2013). Screening Assessment Report on Phenol, 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene) bis[2,6-dibromo-; Ethanol, 2,2'-[(1-methylethylidene)bis[(2,6-dibromo-4,1-phenylene)oxy]]bis; and Benzene, 1,1'-(1-methylethylidene)bis[3,5-dibromo-4-(2-propenyloxy)-. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved November 26, 2019.

Environment Canada (2013). Summary of Public Comments received on Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, CAS 79-94-7), TBBPA bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) (CAS 4162-45-2) and TBBPA bis(allyl ether) (CAS 25327-89-3), Draft Screening Assessment Report and proposed Risk Management Scope. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved November 26, 2019.

European Chemicals Bureau (2006). European Union Risk Assessment Report 2,2’,6,6’-Tetrabromo-4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (Tetrabromobisphenol-A or TBBP-A), Part II – Human Health. European Chemicals Bureau, European Commission Joint Research Centre, UK. Retrieved December 19, 2019.

Hagmar, L., Sjödin, A., Höglund, P., Thuresson, K., Rylander, L., Bergman, A. (2000). Biological half-lives of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and tetrabromobisphenol A in exposed workers. Organohalogen Compounds, 47, 198–201.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (2018). IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans — Volume 115: Some Industrial Chemicals. World Health Organization, Lyon. Retrieved December 19, 2019.

Knudsen, G.A., Hughes, M.F., McIntosh, K.L., Sanders, J.M., Birnbaum, L.S. (2015). Estimation of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) percutaneous uptake in humans using the parallelogram method. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 289(2), 323–329.

Kuester, R.K., Sólyom, A.M., Rodriguez, V.P., Sipes, I.G. (2007). The effects of dose, route, and repeated dosing on the disposition and kinetics of tetrabromobisphenol A in male F-344 rats. Toxicological Sciences, 96(2), 237–245.

NTP (National Toxicology Program) (2002). Tetrabromobisphenol A [79-94-7] Review of Toxicological Literature. National Toxicology Program, United States Department of Health and Human Studies, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Retrieved January 15, 2020.

NTP (National Toxicology Program) (2014). NTP technical report on the toxicology studies of tetrabromobisphenol A (CAS No. 79-94-7) in F344/NTac rats and B6C3F1/N mice and toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of tetrabromobisphenol A in Wistar Han [Crl:WI(Han)] rats and B6C3F1/N mice (gavage studies). National Toxicology Program, United States Department of Health and Human Studies, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

Vorkamp, K., Balmer, J., Hung, H., Letcher, R.J., Rigét, F.F., de Wit, C.A. (2019). Current-use halogenated and organophosphorous flame retardants: A review of their presence in Arctic ecosystems. Emerging Contaminants, 5, 179–200.

WHO (World Health Organization) (1995). Environmental Health Criteria 172: Tetrabromobisphenol A and Derivatives. WHO, Geneva. Retrieved December 19, 2019.

Wikoff, D., Thompson, C., Perry, C., White, M., Borghoff, S., Fitzgerald, L., Haws, L.C. (2015). Development of toxicity values and exposure estimates for tetrabromobisphenol A: Application in a margin of exposure assessment. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 35(11), 1292–1308.

Yu, Y., Wang, Z., Wang, Q., Xiang, M., Zhang, Y., Ge, Q., Li, L., Li, H., Ma, R. (2017). Excretion characteristics of tetrabromobisphenol-A in Wistar rats following mouth and nose inhalation exposure. Chemosphere, 175, 147–152.

Yu, Y., Xiang, M., Gao, D., Ye, H., Wang, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, L., Li, H. (2016). Absorption and excretion of Tetrabromobisphenol A in male Wistar rats following subchronic dermal exposure. Chemosphere, 146, 189–194.

Yu, Y., Yu, Z., Chen, H., Han, Y., Xiang, M., Chen, X., Ma, R., Wang, Z. (2019). Tetrabromobisphenol A: Disposition, kinetics and toxicity in animals and humans. Environmental Pollution, 253, 909–917.

9 Summaries and results for organochlorine pesticides

9.1 Chlordane

Chlordane is an organochlorine pesticide that was introduced in the 1940s as a broad-based insecticide for use on a variety of agricultural crops, for residential applications (such as lawns and gardens), as a fumigating agent, and for underground application to homes as termite prevention (ATSDR, 2018). In Canada, chlordane was first registered for use in 1939. While it was never manufactured in Canada, its use continued until 1990 (CCME, 1999; CEC 2001). The production, sale and use of chlordane in the United States have been prohibited since 1988 (ATSDR, 2018).

Technical chlordane is a mixture of more than 140 structurally related organochlorine compounds. The most abundant components are α-chlordane, γ-chlordane, chlordene, heptachlor, trans-nonachlor and cis-nonachlor (ATSDR, 2018). The chlordane-related chemicals measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) are listed in Table 9.1.1.

Table 9.1.1
Chlordane-related chemicals measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Compound name	CASRN	Cycle 1 (2007–2009)	Cycle 3 (2012–2013)	Cycle 4 (2014–2015)	Cycle 5 (2016–2017)
trans-Nonachlor	39765-80-5	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Oxychlordane	27304-13-8	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Chlordane is a synthetic chemical mixture with no natural sources. Releases to the environment are solely the result of anthropogenic activities. Chlordane has been detected in all environmental media. While its use has been discontinued in Canada, chlordane compounds are very resistant to degradation, with estimated half-lives in soil of up to 10 years (Hornsby et al., 1996). Chlordane has the potential for long-range transport and the potential to bioaccumulate in many organisms (ATSDR, 2018). Monitoring of ambient air and biota from Canada’s Arctic indicates that levels of chlordane, along with those of many legacy persistent organic pollutants, declined from 1993–2009 (NCP, 2013).

The primary route of exposure for the general population is expected to be the ingestion of foods containing trace amounts of chlordane, although individuals living in homes treated with chlordane to control termites may be exposed to elevated indoor air concentrations (ATSDR, 2018). Chlordane can remain for decades in soils where it was previously applied; food products grown in these soils continued to show detectable concentrations long after its use was discontinued in Canada (Incorvia Mattina et al., 2000). Chlordane exposure may also occur through inhalation or drinking water; however, concentrations in ambient air and water are generally very low (WHO, 2004).

Chlordane can be absorbed following ingestion. Once it has been absorbed, metabolism results in a number of oxidation products, including oxychlordane (ATSDR, 2018). Chlordane and its metabolites concentrate in adipose tissue and can be measured in human blood, urine, feces and breast milk (ATSDR, 2018). Biological samples tend to contain primarily oxychlordane and nonachlor compounds (Donaldson et al., 2010; Health Canada, 2010). Elimination of these chemicals from the body occurs over months to years, mostly through feces; breast milk is a major excretion route in lactating women (CDC, 2017). Since chlordane and its metabolites are retained in the body for long periods of time and are only slowly excreted, their presence can indicate long-term exposure.

Chlordane toxicity is characterized by neurological, hepatic, developmental and hematological effects (ATSDR, 2018). In humans, exposure to high levels of chlordane through its former use as a pesticide and following ingestion of chlordane-containing substances has resulted in neurotoxic effects, including migraines, convulsions and seizures (ATSDR, 2018). In animals, hepatic, developmental and hematological effects include increased liver weight, impaired neurobehavioural development and, in some studies, increased leukocyte counts (ATSDR, 2018). At environmental concentrations, initial studies in humans have demonstrated associations between chlordane components and metabolites in serum and total diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) and prediabetes (ATSDR, 2018). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2001) has classified chlordane as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) based on inadequate evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in laboratory animals, specifically liver cancer observed in some animal studies.

Chlordane has been classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention (UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers it to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity (Health Canada, 1999; Environment Canada, 2008). As chlordane is no longer in use in Canada, the Government of Canada concluded that no further actions are required under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), provided that chlordane is not manufactured, imported or used in Canada in quantities greater than 100 kg/year (Canada, 1999; Environment Canada, 2008). The production, sale or use of chlordane in Canada constitutes a violation of the Pest Control Products Act (Canada, 2002). The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has established maximum residue limits, regulated under the Pest Control Products Act, for chlordane in food (Health Canada, 2012). Chlordane has also been analyzed as part of Health Canada's Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016). Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to restrict the import, production and use of chlordane through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

trans-Nonachlor and oxychlordane have been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools; trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane concentrations were all below the limits of detection (LODs). Another study, the Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study, was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools; as with the Alberta study, trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane concentrations were below the LODs. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane, with geometric means of 57.82 ng/g lipid and 32.96 ng/g lipid, respectively.

Chlordane components and the metabolite oxychlordane have also been measured in individual plasma samples as part of the CHMS and other Canadian biomonitoring studies. During cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the CHMS, the geometric mean trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane levels in individual blood plasma samples from the Canadian population aged 20–79 were 5.98 ng/g lipid and 4.21 ng/g lipid, respectively (Health Canada, 2010). The CHMS also measured the chlordane components α-chlordane, γ-chlordane and cis-nonachlor in individual plasma samples in cycle 1; however, geometric mean concentrations were not calculated due to low detection levels (Health Canada, 2010). The population coverage of the CHMS excludes persons living on reserves and in other Indigenous settlements in Canadian provinces. However, this subpopulation has been surveyed as part of the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI), a nationally representative biomonitoring study of adult First Nations peoples living on reserves south of the 60th parallel (AFN, 2013). The survey comprised 13 randomly selected First Nations communities in Canada and included 471 First Nations participants aged 20 and older. In 2011, the geometric means for trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane in blood plasma were 4.13 ng/g lipid and 2.45 ng/g lipid, respectively. α-Chlordane, γ-chlordane and cis-nonachlor were also measured in cycle 1 of the CHMS and the FNBI; however, geometric means were not calculated due to low detection levels.

The Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study is a national-level prospective cohort study that recruited 2,001 pregnant women aged 18 years and older from 10 cities across Canada from 2008–2011 (Arbuckle et al., 2013). There were 1,935 participants with first-trimester blood plasma for organochlorine analysis. The geometric mean concentration was 2.90 ng/g lipid for trans-nonachlor and 2.01 ng/g lipid for oxychlordane; it was not calculated for cis-nonachlor due to low detection levels (Fisher et al., 2016). In northern Canada, the contaminant component of the Inuit Health Survey (2007–2008) and the Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (2004) measured the body burden of trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane in 3,083 Inuit participants (men and women) from communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (NCP, 2018). The geometric means for trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane in plasma for Inuit men and women (18 years and older) ranged from 14–170 ng/g lipid and from 8.0–100 ng/g lipid, respectively. Continuous monitoring among communities in Nunavik indicates that geometric means of persistent organic pollutants, including oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor and its metabolites, have declined since 1992 (NCP, 2018).

trans-Nonachlor was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1 and 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). Oxychlordane was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 3–79 in cycle 3, cycle 4 and cycle 5. Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of chlordane components or metabolites in serum is an indicator of exposure to chlordane. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Table 9.1.2
*trans*-Nonachlor (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.3	82	5.8	16
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.43	21	4.9	30
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	16	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	1.5	19	7.1	1
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.3	82	5.9	16
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.43	16	4.7	37
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	11	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	1.5	17	6.9	0
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.3	82	6.0	24
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.43	16	4.2	40
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	11	4.0	7
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	1.6	19	7.3	2
3 (2012–2013)	30	2.2	13	5.7	8
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.58	16	5.2	33
5 (2016–2017)	30	1.4	11	NC-M	NC-M
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	3.7	5.9	4.8	18
4 (2014–2015)	6	2.2	21	10	48
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.1	16	7.9	63
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.6	2.9	2.3	1
3 (2012–2013)	11	2.2	6.1	3.6	30
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.0	2.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.2	2.6	46
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.5	2.6	1.8	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.2	5.6	3.7	29
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.43	1.5	0.94	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.6	4.2	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	3.1	5.2	3.7	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.3	6.0	2.9	30
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.2	6.2	2.7	42
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.1	4.8	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	6.8	10	8.8	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.9	82	7.0	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.6	6.4	4.9	23
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.8	5.2	4.3	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	14	19	16	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	9.7	13	11	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.3	16	10	44
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.1	11	9.0	9
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.031 ng/g lipid and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.19 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.1.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.1.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.1.3
*trans*-Nonachlor (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0073	0.43	0.032	15
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0023	0.11	0.025	19
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.077	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0081	0.13	0.047	0
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0073	0.43	0.032	15
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0023	0.083	0.024	24
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.063	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0081	0.12	0.047	1
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0073	0.43	0.033	23
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0023	0.083	0.022	36
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.063	0.021	10
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0083	0.13	0.047	0
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.010	0.064	0.031	6
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0028	0.066	0.026	14
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0052	0.055	NC-M	NC-M
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.015	0.028	0.022	26
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.010	0.11	0.051	49
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0086	0.077	0.036	67
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0083	0.016	0.012	1
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.010	0.027	0.017	35
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0042	0.0095	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.015	0.0091	51
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0081	0.013	0.0090	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.010	0.024	0.016	31
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0023	0.0059	0.0040	24
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.010	0.016	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.019	0.030	0.022	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0073	0.029	0.015	23
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0075	0.027	0.013	28
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0052	0.025	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.045	0.069	0.060	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.027	0.43	0.040	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0094	0.042	0.027	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.015	0.031	0.025	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.092	0.13	0.11	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.050	0.072	0.061	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.027	0.083	0.053	37
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.036	0.063	0.048	13
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 9.1.2.
Table 9.1.3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.1.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.1.4
Oxychlordane (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.7	25	5.4	18
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.86	14	4.7	15
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	15	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.7	25	5.4	16
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.86	14	4.6	17
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	7.6	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.7	25	5.5	17
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.86	14	4.7	15
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	7.6	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	1.9	8.4	5.3	16
4 (2014–2015)	30	1.2	11	4.6	20
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	5.1	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	3.0	9.5	6.1	51
4 (2014–2015)	6	3.1	13	7.6	32
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	15	6.1	81
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	1.8	8.4	5.1	54
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.8	2.9	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.2	6.0	4.3	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.86	3.1	1.9	32
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.7	7.0	3.7	44
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.5	4.9	2.6	30
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	1.4	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.6	25	6.0	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.7	5.2	4.6	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.1	2.8	2.4	1
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	6.4	12	7.8	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	6.5	14	9.9	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.2	7.6	5.6	2
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.75 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.1.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.1.4 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.1.5
Oxychlordane (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0079	0.13	0.029	16
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0046	0.067	0.025	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.072	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0079	0.13	0.029	15
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0046	0.067	0.024	5
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.043	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0079	0.13	0.030	15
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0046	0.067	0.025	8
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.043	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0084	0.041	0.028	14
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0060	0.050	0.024	2
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.027	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.012	0.046	0.028	57
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.014	0.065	0.037	33
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.072	0.029	83
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0079	0.040	0.024	58
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0070	0.014	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.014	0.023	0.018	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0046	0.012	0.0079	27
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0085	0.034	0.019	38
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0088	0.022	0.013	14
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0070	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.026	0.13	0.034	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.020	0.032	0.026	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0057	0.017	0.014	1
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.036	0.072	0.044	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.040	0.067	0.051	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.021	0.043	0.030	6
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is presented in Table 9.1.4.
Table 9.1.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.1.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

AFN (Assembly of First Nations) (2013). First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative: National results (2011). Assembly of First Nations, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) (2018). Toxicological Profile for Chlordane. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved June 17, 2019.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (2002). Pest Control Products Act. SC 2002, c. 28. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment) (1999). Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life — Chlordane. Retrieved June 18, 2019.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (2017). Biomonitoring Summary: Organochlorine Pesticides Overview. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved June 17, 2019.

CEC (Commission for Environmental Cooperation of North America) (2001). Final report on the Implementation of the North American Regional Action Plan on Chlordane. Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Montreal, QC. Retrieved June 20, 2019.

Donaldson, S.G., Van Oostdam, J., Tikhonov, C., Feeley, M., Armstrong, B., Ayotte, P., Boucher, O., Bowers, W., Chan, L., Dallaire, F., et al. (2010). Environmental contaminants and human health in the Canadian Arctic. Science of the Total Environment, 408(22), 5165–5234.

Environment Canada (2008). Final screening assessment report for potentially toxic substances. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved June 17, 2019.

Health Canada (1999). Regulatory Directive: The Pest Management Regulatory Agency's Strategy for Implementing the Toxic Substances Management Policy. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved June 17, 2019.

Health Canada (2012). Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides Database. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Health Canada (2016). Concentration of Contaminants and Other Chemicals in Food Composites. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Hornsby, A.G., Wauchope, R.D., Herner, A.E. (1996). Pesticide Properties in the Environment. Springer, New York.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (2001). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans — Volume 79: Some Thyrotropic Agents. World Health Organization, Geneva. Retrieved June 17, 2019.

Incorvia Mattina, M.J., Iannucci-Berger, W., Dykas, L. (2000). Chlordane uptake and its translocation in food crops. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(5), 1909–1915.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

WHO (World Health Organization) (2004). Chlordane in drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality. WHO, Geneva. Retrieved June 10, 2019.

9.2 Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a broad-spectrum synthetic organochlorine insecticide. First registered for use in Canada in 1946, it was used to control forestry, agricultural and domestic insect pests (ATSDR, 2019; Environment Canada, 2006). While it was never manufactured in Canada, its import continued until the mid-1970s (Environment Canada, 2006). At this time, most uses of DDT in Canada were phased out due to increasing environmental and human health concerns (Environment Canada, 2013). Registration of all uses in Canada ended in 1985, with the expectation that all remaining stocks would be sold, used or disposed of by the end of 1990 in accordance with the Pest Control Products Act (Environment Canada, 2006). DDT remains in use in some countries, primarily in Africa, to fight malaria (WHO, 2009).

Technical-grade DDT is composed of up to 14 compounds, with the active ingredient, p,p'-DDT, making up 65%–80% (Metcalf, 1995). The DDT compound and metabolites measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) are listed in Table 9.2.1.

Table 9.2.1
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Compound name	CASRN	Cycle 1 (2007–2009)	Cycle 3 (2012–2013)	Cycle 4 (2014–2015)	Cycle 5 (2016–2017)
o,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (o,p'-DDE)	3424-82-6	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)	72-55-9	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT)	50-29-3	Yes	No	No	No

DDT does not occur naturally in the environment. However, it has been applied directly to soil and has entered surface water bodies due to pest control near water (CCME, 1999). Even though DDT is not currently used in Canada, residues of concern from historical use remain due to their persistence in the environment. DDT degrades very slowly in the environment, with a half-life in soil of 2–15 years, depending on conditions (CDC, 2017; NCP, 2013). In the environment, DDT is transformed into more stable chemical forms, including DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) and DDD (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane). Due to its semi-volatile properties, DDT can reach polar regions through long-range atmospheric transport. The microbial–protozoal–fish–seal–polar bear–human food web serves as a conduit, introducing DDT into the Arctic marine ecosystem and increasing local human exposure (Risebrough et al., 1976; Van Oostdam et al., 2005). Monitoring of ambient air and biota in Canada’s Arctic indicates that levels of DDT declined from 1993–2009 along with those of many legacy persistent organic pollutants (NCP, 2013).

The primary route of exposure to DDT for the general population is expected to be the ingestion of foods — particularly meat, fish, poultry and dairy products — that contain residues of DDT or its degradation products (ATSDR, 2019; Kosatsky et al., 1999). The transport characteristics of DDT and its metabolites lead to their deposition in northern latitudes, which make northern populations in Canada more susceptible to exposure, especially Inuit who eat more country foods (including fish, seal and whales). Foods imported into Canada from other countries that still use DDT may contain residues of DDT or its metabolites; as such, they may also potentially be a source of continued exposure (ATSDR, 2019). DDT exposure from inhalation does not contribute significantly to body burden. Drinking water is considered a negligible source of exposure due to DDT’s low solubility in water (ATSDR, 2019).

DDT can be absorbed following ingestion and is metabolized in the liver to DDE and DDD. DDT and its metabolites are distributed throughout the body via the lymph and blood and concentrate in adipose tissue (ATSDR, 2019). o,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDE and p,p’-DDT have been measured in whole blood, plasma and serum. Excretion of DDT in the form of its metabolites occurs mainly in the urine, although it may also occur through feces, semen and breast milk (ATSDR, 2019). p,p′-DDT and p,p’-DDE have been estimated to have whole-body half-lives of two years and six years, respectively (Ritter et al., 2009). As DDE has a longer biological half-life than DDT, serum DDE levels may indicate long-term exposure (ATSDR, 2019).

The best-known effects of DDT and its metabolites are on the nervous system. It impairs nerve impulse conduction. At high levels of exposure, tremors and convulsions have been observed in both humans and laboratory animals (ATSDR, 2019). In animals, DDT exposure is associated with marked alteration of reproduction and development. These effects are attributed to the hormone-altering effects of DDT and its metabolites (ATSDR, 2019). However, in humans, effects from DDT at low environmental levels are unknown, and there is no conclusive evidence of altered reproduction and development (ATSDR, 2019). The potential role of DDT and its metabolites in the prevalence of obesity has recently been reviewed and is under ongoing investigation (Cano-Sancho et al., 2017). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2018) has classified DDT as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals, limited evidence in humans and strong mechanistic evidence.

DDT is listed on Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and is classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Canada, 1999; Environment Canada, 2013; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers it to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity. As such, DDT is targeted for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substance) (Canada, 1998). Risk management actions under CEPA 1999 have been developed to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale and import of DDT and products containing it (Canada, 2012). DDT is also included under the trade name Clofenotane as a prohibited ingredient on the List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (more commonly referred to as the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, or simply the Hotlist), an administrative tool that Health Canada uses to communicate to manufacturers and others that certain substances, when present in a cosmetic, may not comply with requirements of the Food and Drugs Act or the Cosmetic Regulations (Health Canada, 2019). In addition, the sale or use of DDT in Canada today constitutes a violation of the Pest Control Products Act (Canada, 2002; Environment Canada, 2013). The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has established maximum residue limits, regulated under the Pest Control Products Act, for DDT in food (Health Canada, 2012). p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE have also been analyzed as part of Health Canada's Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016). Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to restrict the import, production and use of DDT through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the Stockholm Convention (Environment Canada, 2013).

DDT and its metabolites have been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools; p,p'-DDE concentrations ranged from 12–214 ng/g lipid. The Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools; p,p'-DDE concentrations ranged from 19–140 ng/g lipid. p,p'-DDT was also measured in these studies; however, concentrations were not calculated due to low detection levels. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for p,p'-DDE, with a geometric mean of 169.55 ng/g lipid.

DDT and its metabolites have also been measured in individual plasma samples as part of the CHMS and other Canadian biomonitoring studies. During cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the CHMS, the geometric mean p,p'-DDE level in individual blood plasma samples from the Canadian population aged 20–79 was 152.05 ng/g lipid (Health Canada, 2010). Plasma DDE was found to be negatively associated with lung function parameters based on measurements collected in cycle 1 (Ye et al., 2015). In addition, p,p'-DDE concentrations were observed to increase with age and were higher in females than in males (Singh et al., 2019; Ye et al., 2015). The population coverage of the CHMS excludes persons living on reserves and in other Indigenous settlements in Canadian provinces. However, this subpopulation has been surveyed as part of the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI), a nationally representative biomonitoring study of adult First Nations peoples living on reserves south of the 60th parallel (AFN, 2013). The study comprised 13 randomly selected First Nations communities in Canada with 471 First Nations participants aged 20 and older. In 2011, the geometric mean for p,p'-DDE in blood plasma was 77.09 ng/g lipid. p,p'-DDT was also measured in cycle 1 of the CHMS and the FNBI; however, geometric means were not calculated due to low detection levels.

The Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study is a national-level prospective cohort study that recruited 2,001 pregnant women aged 18 and older from 10 cities across Canada from 2008–2011 (Arbuckle et al., 2013). There were 1,935 participants with first-trimester blood plasma samples available for organochlorine analysis. The geometric mean concentration in maternal blood plasma was 56.02 ng/g lipid for DDE; it was not calculated for p,p’-DDT due to low detection levels (Fisher et al., 2016). In northern Canada, the contaminant component of the Inuit Health Survey (2007–2008) and the Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (2004) measured the body burden of p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE in 3,083 Inuit participants from communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (NCP, 2018). The geometric means for p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE in plasma for Inuit men and women (18 years and older) ranged from 4.2–16 ng/g lipid and from 150–470 ng/g lipid, respectively. Continuous monitoring of communities in Nunavik indicates that geometric means of persistent organic pollutants, including DDT and its metabolites, have declined since 1992 (NCP, 2018).

p,p'-DDT was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1. p,p'-DDE was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1 and 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). o,p'-DDE was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 3–79 in cycle 3, cycle 4 and cycle 5. Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of DDT or its metabolites in serum is an indicator of exposure to DDT. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Table 9.2.2
*o,p'*-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (*o,p'*-DDE) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	71	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	3.4	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	5.5	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	71	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	3.4	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	3.8	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	71	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	2.5	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	3.4	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	3.8	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.73	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	2.7	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	5.5	2.4	75
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.67	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.38	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	1.1	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.89	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.43	0.60	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.42	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	3.4	0.88	79
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	3.8	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	71	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.6	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.61	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	2.5	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	3.3	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.22 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.2.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.2.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.2.3
*o,p'*-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (*o,p'*-DDE) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.026	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.017	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.017	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0066	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.017	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.0030	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.026	0.011	78
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0027	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0017	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0017	0.0024	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0022	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.015	0.0040	72
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.017	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0039	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.017	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is presented in Table 9.2.2.
Table 9.2.3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.2.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.2.4
*p,p*'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (*p,p*'-DDE) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	48	1400	220	25
4 (2014–2015)	67	28	480	140	13
5 (2016–2017)	67	33	370	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	28	750	200	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	48	1400	220	25
4 (2014–2015)	61	28	480	140	14
5 (2016–2017)	61	33	370	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	28	750	220	1
3 (2012–2013)	29	48	1400	260	24
4 (2014–2015)	31	28	480	160	9
5 (2016–2017)	31	33	370	150	28
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	39	330	170	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	50	480	180	26
4 (2014–2015)	30	35	280	130	19
5 (2016–2017)	30	34	250	NC-M	NC-M
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	110	200	160	21
4 (2014–2015)	6	70	180	140	13
5 (2016–2017)	6	76	190	130	24
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	39	160	93	29
3 (2012–2013)	11	50	150	110	30
4 (2014–2015)	12	47	94	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	34	190	91	33
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	28	89	66	19
3 (2012–2013)	12	48	120	82	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	28	94	48	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	33	49	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	89	330	150	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	65	240	160	35
4 (2014–2015)	13	47	180	92	31
5 (2016–2017)	13	33	150	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	110	340	200	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	120	1400	230	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	83	180	130	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	74	230	150	19
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	200	750	400	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	130	900	400	36
4 (2014–2015)	12	160	480	310	8
5 (2016–2017)	12	120	370	220	19
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limit of detection (LOD) for cycle 1 is 0.23 ng/g lipid and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.048 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.2.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.2.4 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.2.5
*p,p*'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (*p,p*'-DDE) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.20	7.3	1.2	26
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.14	2.8	0.75	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.11	1.9	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.15	5.7	1.3	1
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.20	7.3	1.2	27
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.14	2.8	0.75	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.11	1.9	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.15	5.7	1.5	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.23	7.3	1.4	25
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.14	2.8	0.86	4
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.11	1.9	0.81	30
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.21	2.2	1.1	7
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.20	2.7	0.98	28
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.17	1.4	0.65	2
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.12	1.4	NC-M	NC-M
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.53	0.80	0.69	13
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.30	0.88	0.68	12
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.30	0.76	0.55	20
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.21	0.84	0.49	29
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.24	0.66	0.48	25
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.21	0.47	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.12	0.80	0.33	33
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.15	0.46	0.34	19
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.20	0.49	0.35	13
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.14	0.51	0.22	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.11	0.18	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.56	1.9	0.89	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.31	1.4	0.88	41
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.26	0.79	0.45	16
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.16	0.68	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.79	2.4	1.4	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.72	7.3	1.3	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.44	1.1	0.74	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.42	1.4	0.88	19
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.3	5.7	2.8	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.68	5.4	2.3	36
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.82	2.8	1.7	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.55	1.9	1.2	23
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limit of detection (LOD) for cycle 1 and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 9.2.4.
Table 9.2.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.2.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.2.6
*p,p*'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (*p,p*'-DDT) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	NC-E	NC-E	NC-E
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	NC-E	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	16	4.1	19
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	NC-E	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	5.7	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	16	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	7.1	3.8	29
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	17	6.5	11
LOD: limit of detection; NC-E: Data not calculated as at least one pool was impacted by a laboratory error; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 2.3 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.2.6 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.2.6 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.2.7
*p,p*'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (*p,p*'-DDT) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	NC-E	NC-E	NC-E
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	NC-E	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.093	0.025	17
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	NC-E	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.028	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.093	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.050	0.026	29
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.13	0.047	14
LOD: limit of detection; NC-E: Data not calculated as at least one pool was impacted by a laboratory error; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 9.2.6.
Table 9.2.7 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.2.7 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

AFN (Assembly of First Nations) (2013). First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative: National results (2011). Assembly of First Nations, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry) (2019). Toxicological Profile for DDT, DDE, and DDD: Draft for Public Comment. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (1998). Notice concerning the confirmation of "Track 1 substance" status for DDT as determined by assessment of these substances against the Track 1 criteria of the Toxic Substances Management Policy. Canada Gazette, Part I: Notices and proposed regulations, 132(27). Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (2002). Pest Control Products Act. SC 2002, c. 28. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (2012). Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. SOR/ 2012-285. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Cano-Sancho, G., Salmon, A.G., La Merrill, M.A. (2017) Association between exposure to p,p′-DDT and its metabolite p,p′-DDE with obesity: Integrated systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(9).

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (2017). Biomonitoring Summary: Organochlorine Pesticides Overview — Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) (1999). Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Environmental and Human Health — DDT (Total). Winnipeg, MB. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Environment Canada (2006). Canada’s National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Environment Canada (2013). Toxic substances list: DDT. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Health Canada (2012). Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides Database. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Health Canada (2016). Concentration of Contaminants and Other Chemicals in Food Composites. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Health Canada (2019). List of Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products (Hotlist). Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (2018). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans — Volume 113: DDT, Lindane, and 2,4-D. World Health Organization, Geneva. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Kosatsky, T., Przybysz, R., Shatenstein, B., Weber, J.-P., Armstrong, B. (1999). Fish consumption and contaminant exposure among Montreal-area sportfishers: pilot study. Environmental Research, 80(2), S150–S158.

Metcalf, R. (1995). Insect Control Technology. In J. Kroschwitz and M. Howe-Grant, (Ed.), Kirk-Othmer encyclopedia of chemical technology (14, 524–602). New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Risebrough, R., Walker, W. II, Schmidt, T., de Lappe, B., Connors, C. (1976). Transfer of chlorinated biphenyls to Antarctica. Nature, 264, 738–39.

Ritter, R., Scheringer, M., MacLeod, M., Schenker, U., Hungerbühler, K. (2009). A multi-individual pharmacokinetic model framework for interpreting time trends of persistent chemicals in human populations: application to a postban situation. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(8), 1280–1286.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Van Oostdam, J., Donaldson, S., Feeley, M., Arnold, D., Ayotte, P., Bondy, G., Chan, L., Dewaily, E., Furgal, C., Kuhnlein, H., et al. (2005). Human health implications of environmental contaminants in Arctic Canada: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 351–352, 165–246.

WHO (World Health Organization) (2009). Global insecticide use for vector-borne disease control — 4th ed. World Health Organization, Geneva. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Ye, M., Beach, J., Martin, J., Senthilselvan, A. (2015). Association between lung function in adults and plasma DDT and DDE levels: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Environmental Health Perspectives, 123(5), 422–427.

9.3 Endosulfan

Endosulfan (CASRN 115-29-7) is an organochlorine insecticide and acaracide. Beginning in the 1950s, it was used in Canada to control a broad range of insect and arthropod pests on a wide variety of food, feed and ornamental crops (Health Canada, 2011). Due to increasing environmental and human health concerns, registration of all endosulfan pesticide products in Canada ended on December 31, 2016 (Health Canada, 2010; Health Canada, 2011; Health Canada, 2017).

Technical-grade endosulfan is a mixture of two biologically active isomers (α- and β-), with the α-isomer and β-isomer contributing about 70% and 30%, respectively, along with minor impurities and degradation products (UNEP, 2010). The two endosulfan isomers measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) are listed in Table 9.3.1.

Table 9.3.1
Endosulfan isomers measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017)
Compound name	CASRN
α-Endosulfan (endosulfan I)	959-98-8
β-Endosulfan (endosulfan II)	33213-65-9

Endosulfan does not occur naturally in the environment. It enters the environment following agricultural and residential applications (ATSDR, 2015). Even though it is no longer in use in Canada, it is persistent in the atmosphere, sediments and water; residues of concern from historical use may remain. It degrades slowly in the environment, with estimated atmospheric half-lives in the range of 9–13 years (Shunthirasingham et al., 2016). Endosulfan also bioaccumulates and has the potential for long-range transport (UNEP, 2010). It has been detected in air, sediments, water and biota in remote regions far from areas of use (Hung et al., 2016; Morris et al., 2016; Shunthirasingham et al., 2016; Weber et al., 2010). Monitoring of air, water and biota in Canada’s Arctic indicates that levels of endosulfan were steady from 1993–2001, then declined from 2006–2009 (NCP, 2013).

Due to its previous use in agriculture and tobacco farming, exposure of the general population to endosulfan was primarily through the ingestion of food and use of tobacco products (ATSDR, 2015; WHO, 2004). Due to its ability to bioaccumulate, food is likely still a current source of exposure, although levels in food are generally considered low (ATSDR, 2015). Endosulfan exposure may also occur through inhalation or drinking water; however, concentrations in ambient air and water are generally very low (WHO, 2004).

Endosulfan is rapidly absorbed following ingestion of contaminated food, but there is no available information on the rate of absorption following exposure through air or drinking water (ATSDR, 2015). Once absorbed, endosulfan is metabolized into endosulfan sulfate and endosulfan diol. These can be further broken down into lactone, hydroxyether and ether metabolites (ATSDR, 2015). Endosulfan and its metabolites have been measured in blood, urine, adipose tissues and breast milk. Elimination occurs mainly through the feces and to a lesser extent through urine (ATSDR, 2015). Endosulfan is not expected to accumulate significantly in human tissues. It has an estimated elimination half-life of 1–7 days (ATSDR, 2015). Levels of endosulfan in blood and urine reflect recent exposure (ATSDR, 2015).

The main target of endosulfan toxicity in humans and animals — as with other organochlorine pesticides — is the nervous system. Endosulfan impairs neurotransmission; tremors, seizures and deaths have been observed in humans at high levels of exposure (ATSDR, 2015). In animals, studies characterizing the potential risk from short- and longer-term exposure to endosulfan have reported effects on the kidneys (ATSDR, 2015; WHO, 2004). Endosulfan exposure has been associated with adverse reproductive effects in some animal studies. However, in humans, effects from endosulfan at low environmental levels are unknown, and there is no conclusive evidence of altered reproduction or development (ATSDR, 2015). Endosulfan is considered genotoxic, but not oncogenic; the International Agency for Research on Cancer has not classified endosulfan in terms of its ability to cause cancer (ATSDR, 2015; Silva and Beauvais, 2010).

Endosulfan has been classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers it to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity. As such, endosulfan is targeted in Canada for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substance) (Health Canada, 2010). As it is no longer registered for use in Canada, its production, sale or use constitutes a violation of the Pest Control Products Act (Canada, 2002). The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has established maximum residue limits, regulated under the Pest Control Products Act, for endosulfan in food (Health Canada, 2012). The α- and β-endosulfan isomers have been analyzed as part of Health Canada's Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016). Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to restrict the import, production and use of endosulfan through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the Stockholm Convention.

Endosulfan isomers have been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools. Levels of α- and β-endosulfan were below the limits of detection (LODs) in all pools. The Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools. As with the other regional biomonitoring studies, β-endosulfan levels were below the LODs (7.4–15 ng/g lipid) for all pools (α-endosulfan was not measured). In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed. The levels of α- and β-endosulfan were reported to be below the LODs in all pools.

α- and β-endosulfan were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of α- or β-endosulfan in serum is an indicator of exposure to endosulfan. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Table 9.3.2
α-Endosulfan (endosulfan I) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	17	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.87	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	3.7	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	17	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.87	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.35	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	17	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.87	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.50	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.73	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.35	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	3.7	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.35	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.87	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	17	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.72	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.29 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.3.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.3.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.3.3
α-Endosulfan (endosulfan I) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.088	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.0053	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.088	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.0053	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0014	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.088	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.0053	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0032	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0014	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0014	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0053	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.088	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is presented in Table 9.3.2.
Table 9.3.3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.3.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.3.4
β-Endosulfan (endosulfan II) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	25	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	25	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	25	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.2	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	25	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 1.0 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.3.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.3.4 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table 1 footnote b referrer

Table 9.3.5
β-Endosulfan (endosulfan II) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0058	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is presented in Table 9.3.4.
Table 9.3.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.3.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) (2015). Toxicological Profile for Endosulfan. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved June 10, 2019.

Canada (2002). Pest Control Products Act. SC 2002, c. 28. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Health Canada (2010). Re-evaluation Note REV2010-16, Endosulfan. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved June 10, 2019.

Health Canada (2011). Re-evaluation Note REV2011-01, Discontinuation of Endosulfan. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved June 10, 2019.

Health Canada (2012). Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides Database. Health Canada, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved June 12, 2019.

Health Canada (2016). Concentration of Contaminants and Other Chemicals in Food Composites. Health Canada, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved June 12, 2019.

Health Canada (2017). Pesticide Product Information Database. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON.
Retrieved April 30, 2020.

Hung, H., Katsoyiannis, A.A., Brorström-Lundén, E., Olafsdottir, K., Aas, W., Breivik, K., Bohlin-Nizzetto, P., Sigurdsson, A., Hakola, H., Bossi, R., et al. (2016). Temporal trends of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Arctic air: 20 years of monitoring under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). Environmental Pollution, 217, 52–61.

Morris, A.D., Muir, D.C.G., Solomon, K.R., Letcher, R.J., McKinney, M.A., Fisk, A.T., McMeans, B.C., Tomy, G.T., Teixeira, C., Wang, X., et al. (2016). Current-use pesticides in seawater and their bioaccumulation in polar bear–ringed seal food chains of the Canadian Arctic. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 35(7), 1695–1707.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

Shunthirasingham, C., Gawor, A., Hung, H., Brice, K.A., Su, K., Alexandrou, N., Dryfhout-Clark, H., Backus, S., Sverko, E., Shin, C., et al. (2016). Atmospheric concentrations and loadings of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Canadian Great Lakes Basin (GLB): Spatial and temporal analysis (1992–2012). Environmental Pollution, 217, 124–133.

Silva, M.H., Beauvais, S.L. (2010). Human health risk assessment of endosulfan. I: Toxicology and hazard identification. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 56(1), 4–17.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2010). Updated supporting document for the draft risk management evaluation on endosulfan. United Nations Environment Programme, Geneva. Retrieved June 10, 2019.

Weber, J., Halsall, C.J., Muir, D., Teixeira, C., Small, J., Solomon, K., Hermanson, M., Hung, H., Bidleman, T. (2010). Endosulfan, a global pesticide: A review of its fate in the environment and occurrence in the Arctic. Science of the Total Environment, 408(15), 2966–2984.

WHO (World Health Organization) (2004). Endosulfan in drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality. WHO, Geneva. Retrieved January 9, 2020.

9.4 Hexachlorobenzene

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB; CASRN 118-74-1) is a synthetic organochlorine compound. HCB has been used in several products, including pesticides, fireworks, ammunition, synthetic rubber, wood preservative and dielectric fluids, and as an aluminum fluxing agent (ATSDR, 2015; Aulagnier and Poissant, 2005; CCME, 1999). Its primary application in Canada was as a fungicide treatment for grain seeds, which began in the 1940s and continued until the 1970s (ATSDR, 2015). HCB has not been used commercially in Canada since 1972 (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017), is no longer used commercially in the United States, and has not been produced in North America since the late 1970s (ATSDR, 2015).

HCB does not occur naturally in the environment. Even though HCB is no longer in use in Canada, it can be released to the environment through the manufacture and use of chlorinated solvents and pesticides that contain HCB impurities; through long-range transport and deposition from contaminated areas; and through industrial and incineration emissions that produce HCB through incomplete combustion (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017). HCB is persistent in the environment, with a calculated global atmospheric half-life of 1.69 years. It is found in a wide range of environmental media in Canada (ATSDR, 2015; Brubaker and Hites, 1998; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 1993). HCB also bioaccumulates and undergoes long-range transport in the atmosphere (ATSDR, 2015). It has been detected in ambient air, sediments, water and biota in remote regions far from areas of use (Hung et al., 2010; NCP, 2013)

Exposure of the general population to HCB is primarily through the ingestion of food grown in soil contaminated with HCB or the ingestion of animal tissue containing accumulated HCB, especially foods with high lipid contents (ATSDR, 2015; Environment Canada and Health Canada, 1993). Exposure may also occur through contact with contaminated air or drinking water, although these exposures tend to be much lower than food exposures.

Following the ingestion of contaminated food, HCB is absorbed and rapidly distributed throughout the body (ATSDR, 2015). Tissue distribution appears to be governed by HCB’s lipophilicity and the relative fat content of tissues, with bioaccumulation occurring primarily in adipose tissue (ATSDR, 2015; Lu et al., 2006). HCB is metabolized slowly in the liver and conjugated with glutathione (ATSDR, 2015). Pentachlorophenol is a major metabolite; 2,4,5-trichlorophenol is a minor one. HCB and its metabolites have been measured in blood, urine and feces (ATSDR, 2015). In general, fecal excretion of unchanged HCB is the major pathway of elimination, with minor proportions excreted as metabolites in urine and feces (ATSDR, 2015). HCB has been estimated to have a whole-body half-life of 17 years (Bu et al., 2015). Since HCB is retained for long periods of time, measurement of HCB and its metabolites can indicate long-term exposure (ATSDR, 2015).

The primary targets of HCB toxicity in humans and animals are the liver, ovary, thyroid and central nervous system. Exposures in humans to high levels following accidental poisoning have resulted in liver disease, higher death rates in young children, as well as skin lesions, hyperpigmentation, hirsutism, colic, weakness, enlarged thyroid and porphyrinuria (ATSDR, 2015). In animals, studies characterizing the risks of long-term ingestion of large amounts of HCB have reported damage to the liver, kidney and thyroid (including tumours in each of these organs), as well as damage to the nervous system (ATSDR, 2015). HCB exposure has been associated with adverse reproductive effects in animal studies. However, in humans, there is no conclusive evidence of altered reproduction (ATSDR, 2015). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2001) has classified HCB as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and inadequate evidence in humans.

HCB is listed on Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and is classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Canada, 1999; Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers it to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity. As such, HCB is targeted for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substance) (Canada, 1998). Risk management actions under CEPA 1999 have been developed to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale and import of HCB and products containing it (Canada, 2012). HCB has been analyzed as part of Health Canada's Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016). Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to prohibit the production, use, import and export of HCB worldwide through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Stockholm Convention (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017).

HCB has been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools. HCB concentrations ranged from 22–65 ng/g lipid. The Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools. HCB concentrations ranged from 7.5–71 ng/g lipid. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for HCB, with a geometric mean of 27.37 ng/g lipid.

HCB has also been measured in individual plasma samples as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and other Canadian biomonitoring studies. During cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the survey, the geometric mean HCB level in individual blood plasma samples from the Canadian population aged 20–79 was 9.09 ng/g lipid (Health Canada, 2010). The CHMS also measured the non-specific HCB metabolites pentachlorophenol and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol in individual urine samples of participants aged 3–79 in cycle 2 (2009–2011) (Health Canada, 2013). The population coverage of the CHMS excludes persons living on reserves and in other Indigenous settlements in Canadian provinces. However, this subpopulation has been surveyed as part of the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI), a nationally representative biomonitoring study of adult First Nations peoples living on reserves south of the 60th parallel (AFN, 2013). The study comprised 13 randomly selected First Nations communities in Canada with 471 First Nations participants aged 20 and older. In 2011, the 95th percentile for HCB in blood plasma was 18.21 ng/g lipid, while the geometric mean was not calculated due to low detection levels.

The Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study is a national-level prospective cohort study that recruited 2,001 pregnant women aged 18 and older from 10 cities across Canada from 2008–2011 (Arbuckle et al., 2013). There were 1,934 participants with first-trimester blood plasma samples available for HCB analysis. The 95th percentile in maternal blood plasma was 11.73 ng/g lipid for HCB; the geometric mean was not calculated due to low detection levels (Fisher et al., 2016). In northern Canada, the contaminant component of the Inuit Health Survey (2007–2008) and the Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (2004) measured the body burden of HCB in 3,083 Inuit participants from communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (NCP, 2018). The geometric means for HCB in plasma of Inuit men and women (18 years and older) ranged from 21–100 ng/g lipid. Continuous monitoring among communities in Nunavik indicates that geometric means of HCB have declined since 1992 (NCP, 2018).

HCB was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1, and 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). Data from these cycles are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of HCB in serum is an indicator of exposure to HCB. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Table 9.4.1
Hexachlorobenzene (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	4.5	28	7.5	4
4 (2014–2015)	67	2.8	22	8.1	6
5 (2016–2017)	67	3.0	20	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	14	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	4.5	28	7.4	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	2.8	17	7.8	9
5 (2016–2017)	61	3.0	13	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	14	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	4.5	28	7.7	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	3.4	17	7.8	11
5 (2016–2017)	31	3.0	13	7.2	4
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	6.6	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	4.5	11	7.0	5
4 (2014–2015)	30	2.8	14	7.8	7
5 (2016–2017)	30	4.0	11	NC-M	NC-M
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	6.5	19	9.2	25
4 (2014–2015)	6	7.5	22	14	34
5 (2016–2017)	6	6.2	20	13	46
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	3.9	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	4.5	9.7	6.9	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.8	11	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.0	11	8.4	26
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.74	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.5	11	6.8	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.8	9.3	6.1	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.1	11	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	6.1	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.6	8.4	5.8	5
4 (2014–2015)	13	3.4	9.3	6.5	13
5 (2016–2017)	13	3.0	11	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	7.7	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	6.0	28	7.8	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.6	11	7.4	5
5 (2016–2017)	12	5.5	8.9	6.7	3
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	14	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	7.4	16	9.7	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	5.0	17	12	20
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.0	13	9.7	10
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.024 ng/g lipid and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 is 0.047 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.4.1 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.4.1 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.4.2
Hexachlorobenzene (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.020	0.15	0.040	4
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.012	0.11	0.042	5
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.013	0.096	NC-M	NC-M
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.098	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.020	0.15	0.040	4
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.012	0.090	0.041	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.013	0.078	NC-M	NC-M
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.098	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.020	0.15	0.042	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.013	0.090	0.041	3
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.013	0.078	0.037	7
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.045	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.022	0.056	0.038	7
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.012	0.063	0.040	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.015	0.059	NC-M	NC-M
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.031	0.076	0.040	17
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.032	0.11	0.070	35
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.025	0.096	0.057	50
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.022	0.043	0.031	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.012	0.050	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.013	0.042	0.030	29
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.020	0.045	0.029	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.016	0.035	0.026	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.028	0.043	NC-M	NC-M
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.035	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.022	0.044	0.031	11
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.013	0.052	0.033	3
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.013	0.059	NC-M	NC-M
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.055	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.034	0.15	0.045	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.027	0.063	0.042	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.032	0.049	0.038	3
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.098	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.039	0.096	0.056	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.029	0.090	0.060	13
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.034	0.078	0.053	15
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 and the method LOD for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 9.4.1.
Table 9.4.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.4.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

AFN (Assembly of First Nations) (2013). First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative: National results (2011). Assembly of First Nations, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) (2015). Toxicological Profile for Hexachlorobenzene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Aulagnier, F., Poissant, L. (2005). Some pesticides occurrence in air and precipitation in Québec, Canada. Environmental Science and Technology, 39, 2960–2967.

Brubaker, W.W., Hites, R.A. (1998). OH reaction kinetics of gas-phase α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane and hexachlorobenzene. Environmental Science and Technology, 32(6), 766–769.

Bu, Q., MacLeod, M., Wong, F., Toms, L.M.L., Mueller, J.F., Yu, G. (2015). Historical intake and elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides by the Australian population reconstructed from biomonitoring data. Environment International, 74, 82–88.

Canada (1998). Notice concerning the confirmation of "Track 1 substance" status for hexachlorobenzene as determined by assessment of these substances against the Track 1 criteria of the Toxic Substances Management Policy. Canada Gazette, Part I: Notices and proposed regulations, 132(27). Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (2012). Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. SOR/ 2012-285. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) (1999). Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Agricultural Water Uses — Chlorinated Benzenes: Hexachlorobenzene. Winnipeg, MB. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Environment Canada and Health Canada (1993). Priority substances list assessment report: Hexachlorobenzene. Minister of Supply and Services Canada, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May29, 2019.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (2017). Toxic substances list: hexachlorobenzene. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Health Canada (2016). Concentration of Contaminants and Other Chemicals in Food Composites. Minister of Health, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Hung, H., Kallenborn, R., Breivik, K., Su, Y., Brorström-Lundén, E., Olafsdottir, K., Thorlacius, J.M., Leppänen, S., Bossi, R., Skov, H., et al. (2010). Atmospheric monitoring of organic pollutants in the Arctic under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP): 1993–2006. Science of the Total Environment, 408(15), 2854–2873.

Lu, Y., Lohitnavy, M., Reddy, M.B., Lohitnavy, O., Ashley, A., Yang, R.S. (2006). An updated physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for hexachlorobenzene: incorporation of pathophysiological states following partial hepatectomy and hexachlorobenzene treatment. Toxicological Sciences, 91, 29–41.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

9.5 Mirex

Mirex (CASRN 2385-85-5) is a synthetic organochlorine compound. In Canada, mirex was never registered for use as a pesticide, nor was it used as an industrial chemical (Environment Canada, 2006). Mirex was used as an insecticide, primarily against ant and termite species, in the United States, South Africa and certain South America countries (ATSDR, 2019). It was also marketed as a flame retardant in the United States, and was added to plastics, rubber, paint, paper and electrical goods from 1959–1972. All registered products containing mirex were cancelled in the United States from 1977–1978 (ATSDR, 2019).

Technical-grade mirex contained 95% mirex and a small amount of chlordecone. Mirex is also known under the trade names CG-1283, dechlorane, HRS1276b and ENT 25719 (ATSDR, 2019).

Mirex does not occur naturally in the environment. Although it was not used in Canada, it has entered the Canadian environment via long-range atmospheric transport and via water and sediments from chemical manufacturing and flame retardant production near the Niagara and Oswego rivers in the United States (Environment Canada, 2013). Mirex is very persistent in the environment and highly resistant to degradation. It binds strongly to soil, with a half-life of 12 years (ATSDR, 2019). Releases to the Niagara and Oswego rivers resulted in the contamination of Lake Ontario. Due to the cancellation of uses in the United States and other jurisdictions, concentrations of mirex in Lake Ontario fish have been decreasing since the 1980s (Gandhi et al., 2015). As the result of long-range atmospheric transport, mirex has been detected in biota in the Canadian Arctic (NCP, 2013). Monitoring of biota from Canada’s Arctic over nearly three decades has shown both significantly increasing and decreasing trends, depending on the specific study and species (Rigét et al., 2010).

The primary route of exposure to mirex for the general population is the ingestion of food (ATSDR, 2019). In the past, the highest concentrations of mirex were found in fish from the Great Lakes region (ATSDR, 2019). The transport characteristics of mirex make northern populations in Canada, especially Inuit who eat more country foods (including fish, seal and whales), more susceptible to exposure. Minimal exposure to mirex is expected to result from drinking water or breathing due to its low water solubility and involatility (ATSDR, 2009).

Mirex can be absorbed into the body following ingestion. Unabsorbed mirex is excreted unchanged through feces within 48 hours. Once absorbed, mirex does not undergo metabolism. Rather, it is distributed to various tissues, and concentrates in adipose tissue (ATSDR, 2019); it is commonly measured in human milk and adipose tissue. Excretion of absorbed mirex is negligible through urine and occurs very slowly through feces, with estimated half-lives of more than a year in laboratory animals (ATSDR, 2019). Excretion may also occur through breast milk. Since mirex is retained in the body for long periods of time and only slowly excreted, its measurement can be a useful indicator of long-term exposure (ATSDR, 2019).

Data on the health effects of mirex in humans are limited to epidemiological studies assessing associations between blood concentrations and selected health outcomes. These studies have demonstrated associations with reproductive health and developmental outcomes, including menopause, cognitive development and male reproductive hormones. However, there is no strong evidence of increased diabetes risk (ATSDR, 2019). In laboratory animals, the liver, kidney, thyroid and several reproductive and developmental end points are the primary targets for mirex toxicity (ATSDR, 2019). Reported developmental toxicity outcomes include cardiac dysrhythmias and cataracts, while reproductive toxicity outcomes include decreased fertility and effects on reproductive organs, such as testicular atrophy. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (1987) has classified mirex as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) based on the absence of adequate human data and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals.

Mirex is listed on Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and is classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention (Canada, 1999; Environment Canada, 2013; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers it to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity. As such, mirex is targeted for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substance) (Canada, 1998). Risk management actions under CEPA 1999 have been developed to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale and import of mirex and products containing it (Canada, 2012). Internationally, Canada is working with the United Nations to restrict the import, production and use of mirex through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Environment Canada, 2013).

Mirex has been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools. Mirex concentrations ranged from 22–166 ng/g lipid. The Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study was carried out from 2011–2013 among pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools. Mirex concentrations were below the limits of detection (7.4–15 ng/g lipid) for all. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for mirex, with a geometric mean of 4.64 ng/g lipid.

Mirex has also been measured in individual plasma samples as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and other Canadian biomonitoring studies. During cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the CHMS, the 95th percentile mirex level in individual blood plasma samples from the Canadian population aged 20–79 was 9.08 ng/g lipid; the geometric mean was not calculated due to low detection levels (Health Canada, 2010). The population coverage of the CHMS excludes persons living on reserves and in other Indigenous settlements in Canadian provinces. However, this subpopulation has been surveyed as part of the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI), a nationally representative biomonitoring study of adult First Nations peoples living on reserves south of the 60th parallel (AFN, 2013). The study comprised 13 randomly selected First Nations communities in Canada with 471 First Nations participants aged 20 and older. In 2011, the 95th percentile for mirex in blood plasma was 27.51 ng/g lipid, while the geometric mean was not calculated due to low detection levels.

The Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study is a national-level prospective cohort study that recruited 2,001 pregnant women aged 18 years and older from 10 cities across Canada from 2008–2011 (Arbuckle et al., 2013). There were 1,935 participants with first-trimester blood plasma samples available for analysis. The 95th percentile in maternal blood plasma was 2.50 ng/g lipid; the geometric mean was not calculated due to low detection levels (Fisher et al., 2016). In northern Canada, the contaminant component of the Inuit Health Survey (2007–2008) and the Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (2004) measured the body burden of mirex for 3,083 Inuit participants from communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (NCP, 2018). The geometric means for mirex in plasma among Inuit men and women (18 years and older) ranged from 3.3–16 ng/g lipid. Continuous monitoring among communities in Nunavik indicates that geometric means of persistent organic pollutants, including mirex, have declined since 1992 (NCP, 2018).

Mirex was analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1. Data are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of mirex in serum is an indicator of exposure to mirex. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Table 9.5.1
Mirex (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	11	1.5	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	4.4	1.3	14
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.082	11	1.7	9
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.46	0.27	14
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.081	0.47	0.20	21
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.40	2.1	0.75	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.88	4.1	2.3	3
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.4	11	2.8	8
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.026 ng/g lipid.
Table 9.5.1 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.5.1 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 9.5.2
Mirex (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.074	0.010	3
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.030	0.0088	15
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00044	0.074	0.011	6
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0025	0.0014	15
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00039	0.0024	0.0010	20
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0024	0.012	0.0044	6
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0059	0.025	0.016	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0094	0.074	0.019	7
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 9.5.1.
Table 9.5.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 9.5.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

AFN (Assembly of First Nations) (2013). First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative: National results (2011). Assembly of First Nations, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). (2019). Toxicological Profile for Mirex and Chlordecone — Draft for Public Comment. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA. Retrieved July 12, 2019.

Canada (1998). Notice concerning the confirmation of "Track 1 substance" status for mirex as determined by assessment of these substances against the Track 1 criteria of the Toxic Substances Management Policy. Canada Gazette, Part I: Notices and proposed regulations, 132(27). Retrieved July 12, 2019.

Canada (1999). Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. SC 1999, c. 33. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

Canada (2012). Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. SOR/ 2012-285. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

Environment Canada (2006). Canada’s National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved May 16, 2019.

Environment Canada (2013). Toxic substances list: mirex. Minister of Environment, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved July 12, 2019.

Gandhi, N., Tang, R.W.K., Bhavsar, S.P., Reiner, E.J., Morse, D., Arhonditsis, G.B., Drouillard, K., Chen, T. (2015). Is mirex still a contaminant of concern for the North American Great Lakes? Journal of Great Lakes Research, 41(4), 1114–1122.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (1987). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans — Supplement 7. Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42. World Health Organization, Lyon. Retrieved July 12, 2019.

Rigét, F., Bignert, A., Braune, B., Stow, J., Wilson, S. (2010). Temporal trends of legacy POPs in Arctic biota, an update. Science of the Total Environment, 408(15), 2874–2884.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). (2008). All POPs listed in the Stockholm Convention. Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, Geneva. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

10 Summaries and results for polychlorinated biphenyls

10.1 Polychlorinated biphenyls

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of structurally similar chlorinated organic compounds where up to 10 hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms at different positions around the central biphenyl molecule. There are 209 possible chemicals (called congeners) within the PCB group. They vary in the number of chlorine atoms and their locations on the two benzene rings. The PCB congeners are named based on their structures, but are more commonly referred to by their International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) numbers. This approach systematically assigns numbers to the different congeners, with higher numbers assigned to congeners with a larger number of chlorine atoms. PCB congeners can be divided into dioxin-like and non–dioxin-like groups based on their structure and toxicological properties. Twelve congeners have a dioxin-like planar structure and toxicological properties similar to dioxins. Table 10.1.1 lists the PCB congeners — including both dioxin-like and non–dioxin-like PCBs — measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Commercial mixtures of PCBs are also known under a variety of trade names, including: Aroclor, Chloretol, Dyknol, Inerteem, Kanechlor, Noflamol, Phenoclor and Pyranol (ATSDR, 2000).

Table 10.1.1
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) measured in pooled serum in the Canadian Health Measures Survey
IUPAC no.	Compound name	CASRN	Cycle 1 (2007–2009)	Cycle 3 (2012–2013)	Cycle 4 (2014–2015)	Cycle 5 (2016–2017)
PCB 18	2,2',5-Trichlorobiphenyl	37680-65-2	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 28	2,4,4'-Trichlorobiphenyl	7012-37-5	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 49	2,2',4,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl	41464-40-8	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 52	2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl	35693-99-3	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 66	2,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl	32598-10-0	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 74	2,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl	32690-93-0	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 77	3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	32598-13-3	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 81	3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	70362-50-4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 99	2,2',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl	38380-01-7	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 101	2,2',4,5,5'-Pentachlorobiphenyl	37680-73-2	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 105	2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	32598-14-4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 110	2,3,3’,4’,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl	38380-03-9	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 114	2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	74472-37-0	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 118	2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	31508-00-6	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 123	2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	65510-44-3	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 126	3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	57465-28-8	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 128	2,2',3,3',4,4'-Hexachlorobiphenyl	38380-07-3	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 138	2,2',3,4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl	35065-28-2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 141	2,2',3,4,5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl	52712-04-6	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 146	2,2',3,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl	51908-16-8	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 153	2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl	35065-27-1	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 156	2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	38380-08-4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 157	2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	69782-90-7	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 167	2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	52663-72-6	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 169	3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	32774-16-6	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 170	2,2',3,3',4,4',5-Heptachlorobiphenyl	35065-30-6	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 178	2,2',3,3',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl	52663-67-9	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 180	2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-Heptachlorobiphenyl	35065-29-3	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 183	2,2',3,4,4',5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl	52663-69-1	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 187	2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl	52663-68-0	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 189	2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl^{Footnote a}	39635-31-9	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 194	2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-Octachlorobiphenyl	35694-08-7	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCB 195	2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6-Octachlorobiphenyl	52663-78-2	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 201	2,2',3,3',4,5',6,6'-Octachlorobiphenyl	40186-71-8	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 203	2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-Octachlorobiphenyl	52663-76-0	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 206	2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6-Nonachlorobiphenyl	40186-72-9	Yes	No	No	No
PCB 209	2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decachlorobiphenyl	2051-24-3	Yes	No	No	No
Table 10.1.1 footnote a Dioxin-like PCBs. Return to Table footnote a referrer

PCBs were produced synthetically as mixtures for various industrial applications up until the late 1970s, mainly in the United States, but also in countries such as Germany, Italy, France and Japan (ATSDR, 2000). Products containing PCBs include electrical capacitors and transformers, heat transfer and hydraulic fluids, flame retardants, inks, adhesives, lubricants, surface coatings, anti-fouling agents and plasticizers (ATSDR, 2000). PCBs have never been manufactured in Canada, but were imported and widely used (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017). Production ceased in most countries by the late 1970s or early 1980s. However, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continued to manufacture PCBs until at least 2006 (Environment Canada, 2006; IARC, 2016). In Canada, PCBs and products containing them have primarily been used in electricity generation, transmission and distribution (Environment Canada, 2013). The use of PCBs has been restricted in Canada since 1977. It is currently limited to products in use prior to 1977 (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017).

PCBs do not occur naturally in the environment. Entry may occur through use or improper disposal practices. PCBs have been detected in a wide array of environmental media, including air, water, soil and dust (ATSDR, 2000). Once in the environment, PCBs are persistent and bioaccumulative. The more chlorinated congeners adsorb strongly to sediment and soil, with half-lives of months to years (ATSDR, 2000). PCBs also have the ability to undergo long-range transport. They have been detected in air, sediments, water and biota in remote places far from areas of use (Carlsson et al., 2018; NCP, 2013). Monitoring of ambient air and biota from Canada’s Arctic indicates that levels of PCBs declined from the 1980s to the 2010s, along with the levels of many other legacy persistent organic pollutants (Braune et al., 2019; Houde et al., 2019; NCP, 2013).

In the general population, the primary route of exposure to PCBs is expected to be the ingestion of food, including breast milk (IARC, 2016). Exposure to PCBs usually involves mixtures of individual congeners. The specific PCB congeners found in food and environmental media vary, but six congeners (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) are generally found at higher concentrations relative to others (IARC, 2016). Dietary studies have demonstrated that fish generally contain the highest levels of PCBs, followed by meat and dairy products (ATSDR, 2000). Inhalation and dermal contact are additional sources of exposure (ATSDR, 2000).

Once absorbed following inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact, PCBs accumulate in lipid-rich tissues — particularly the liver, adipose tissue and skin — and in breast milk. PCBs are metabolized by various cytochrome P-450 enzymes to polar metabolites that can undergo conjugation with glutathione and glucuronic acid. The rate and extent of metabolism depend on the chlorine number and position in the congener; the less chlorinated congeners are metabolized more rapidly. Elimination of PCBs from the body occurs through feces, urine and breast milk (ATSDR, 2000). Congeners with higher numbers of chlorine atoms tend to have longer half-lives (ATSDR, 2000; Grimm et al., 2015). Half-life estimates from occupational exposures range from 4.6 years for PCB 28 to 41 years for PCB 156 (Seegal et al., 2011). PCBs can be measured in human serum, blood plasma and milk. PCB congener profiles in human serum immediately following exposure reflect the profiles present in the source; however, selective metabolism, excretion and deposition begin to alter the congener profile within 4–24 hours. Thus, in most cases, the PCB congener profile in tissues represents a steady-state body burden that does not match the profile of environmental mixtures of commercial PCB formulations (ATSDR, 2000). The predominant congeners identified in human tissues are PCBs 138, 153 and 180 (ATSDR, 2000). Levels of PCBs in blood indicate body burden (ATSDR, 2000).

Animal studies have shown that exposures to high levels of PCBs can have detrimental effects on the liver, endocrine system, skin, immune system, nervous system and reproductive system, and on fetal and infant development (ATSDR, 2000; Environment Canada, 2001; WHO, 2000). Human studies of PCB toxicity have generally been limited by the inability to distinguish its effects from those of other contaminants present during PCB exposure. Several birth cohort studies have shown that developmental neurotoxicity (through thyroid and neurotransmitter disruption) may be associated with prenatal, perinatal and/or postnatal exposure to PCBs even at background environmental levels, although the results are inconsistent (Berghuis and Roze, 2019; Boucher et al., 2016; Hertz-Picciotto et al., 2005; Koopman-Esseboom et al., 1994; Verner et al., 2015; Walkowiak et al., 2001; Wilhelm et al., 2008). The toxicity of dioxin-like PCBs is mediated through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, resulting in the same or similar health effects as dioxins, including hepatotoxicity. More detailed information about the toxicity of dioxin-like chemicals can be found in section 7.1 (Dioxins and Furans). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2016) has classified both dioxin-like and non–dioxin-like PCBs as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). The toxicity of combined dioxin-like chemicals can be expressed in terms of a total toxic equivalent (TEQ) to facilitate evaluations of the human health risks posed by these complex mixtures (Consonni et al., 2012; WHO, 2010). An overview of the TEQ approach is provided in Appendix B.

PCBs with more than two chlorine atoms are listed on Schedule 1, List of Toxic Substances, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and classified as persistent organic pollutants by the Stockholm Convention (Canada, 1999; Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017; UNEP, 2008). The Government of Canada considers them to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic and primarily the result of human activity. As such, PCBs are targeted for virtual elimination from the environment (Track 1 substance) (Canada, 1998). Risk management actions under CEPA 1999 have been developed to prevent the release of PCBs to the environment and accelerate their phase-out (Canada, 2008). PCBs have been analyzed as part of Health Canada's Total Diet Study surveys (Health Canada, 2016). Internationally, Canada is also working with the United Nations to eliminate the production and use of PCBs and reduce their unintentional release through the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017).

PCBs have been measured in pooled blood samples from pregnant women during regional biomonitoring studies conducted in Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Nunavik. In 2005, the Alberta Biomonitoring Program conducted a biomonitoring study among pregnant women living in Alberta (Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008). Serum samples from 28,484 individuals were combined into 158 pools. PCBs 180, 183 and 187 were most commonly detected, with mean ranges of 1.3–13 ng/g lipid, 5.6–8.8 ng/g lipid and 1.0–22 ng/g lipid, respectively. The Northern Saskatchewan Biomonitoring Study was carried out from 2011–2013 in pregnant women living in northern Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). Serum samples from 841 individuals were combined into six pools. PCBs 18, 28 and 52 were most commonly detected, with means of 61 ng/g lipid, 23 ng/g lipid and 16 ng/g lipid, respectively. In 2013, a study of emerging Arctic contaminants was conducted in Nunavik under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme MercuNorth Project (Caron et al., 2019). Five pools of plasma samples from 78 pregnant women were analyzed for PCBs. PCBs 138, 153 and 180 were most commonly detected, with geometric means of 24.30 ng/g lipid, 57.54 ng/g lipid and 24.92 ng/g lipid, respectively.

PCBs have also been measured in individual plasma samples as part of the CHMS and other Canadian biomonitoring studies. In cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the CHMS, 24 PCBs were measured in individual blood plasma samples from the Canadian population aged 20–79 (Health Canada, 2010). PCBs 138, 153 and 180 were the most commonly detected, with geometric means of 10.13 ng/g lipid, 18.31 ng/g lipid and 15.21 ng/g lipid, respectively. Factors associated with total PCB plasma concentrations in the CHMS were age, region of birth, frequency of fish consumption, and liver consumption (Singh et al., 2019). The population coverage of the CHMS excludes persons living on reserves and in other Indigenous settlements in Canadian provinces. However, this subpopulation was surveyed in 2011 as part of the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI), a nationally representative biomonitoring study of adult First Nations peoples living on reserves south of the 60th parallel (AFN, 2013). The study comprised 13 randomly selected First Nations communities in Canada with 471 First Nations participants aged 20 and older. As with the CHMS, PCBs 138, 153 and 180 were most commonly detected, with geometric means of 6.42 ng/g lipid, 12.67 ng/g lipid and 10.45 ng/g lipid, respectively.

The Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study is a national-level prospective cohort study that recruited 2,001 pregnant women aged 18 years and older from 10 cities across Canada from 2008–2011 (Arbuckle et al., 2013). In the MIREC study, which involved 1,928 participants in their first trimester of pregnancy, PCBs 118, 138, 153 and 180 were the most highly detected, with geometric means of 2.36 ng/g lipid, 4.21 ng/g lipid, 7.30 ng/g lipid and 4.88 ng/g lipid, respectively (Fisher et al., 2016). In northern Canada, the contaminant component of the Inuit Health Survey (2007–2008) and the Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (2004) measured the body burden of PCBs in 3,083 Inuit participants from communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (NCP, 2018). The geometric means for PCBs 99, 118, 138, 153 and 180 in plasma for Inuit men and women (18 years and older) ranged from 6.5–200 ng/g lipid, with the highest concentration measured for PCB 153. Continuous monitoring among communities in Nunavik indicates that the geometric means of PCBs have declined since 1992 (NCP, 2018).

Thirty-six PCB congeners (Table 10.1.1) were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1.Twenty-one PCB congeners were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), cycle 4 (2014–2015) and cycle 5 (2016–2017). Data from these cycles for PCBs 77, 81, 126 and 169 are presented as pg/g lipid and pg/g serum; for the remaining PCB congeners, they are presented as ng/g lipid and ng/g serum. Finding a measurable amount of PCB congeners in serum is an indicator of exposure to PCBs. It does not necessarily mean that an adverse health effect will occur.

Rawn et al. (2012) published PCB data from pooled serum samples collected in cycle 1 of the CHMS. These previously published results were generated using a different statistical approach. As a result, they are not directly comparable with the data presented in this report.

Table 10.1.2
2,2',5-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 18) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	3.5	0.58	23
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	3.2	0.53	18
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	3.5	0.62	27
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	3.1	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	2.2	0.44	18
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	3.0	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	3.5	0.67	28
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	2.7	0.680	46
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.34 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.3
2,2',5-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 18) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.025	0.0037	24
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.023	0.0034	19
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.025	0.0039	27
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.016	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.012	0.0023	18
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.025	0.0047	28
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.018	0.0046	45
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.2.
Table 10.1.3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.4
2,4,4'-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 28) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	12	2.1	40
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	12	2.9	49
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	6.3	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	8.2	2.8	54
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	5.9	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	12	3.5	60
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	3.1	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	7.2	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.25 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.4 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.5
2,4,4'-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 28) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.066	0.012	41
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.066	0.017	49
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.042	0.015	54
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.032	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.066	0.020	58
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.052	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.4.
Table 10.1.5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.6
2,2',4,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 49) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	69	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	69	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	65	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	69	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.73	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	61	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	54	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	65	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.10 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.6 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.6 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.7
2,2',4,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 49) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	69	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.44	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.39	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.44	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.35	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0037	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.36	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.39	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.44	NC-L	NC-L
>LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.6.
Table 10.1.7 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.7 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.8
2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.3	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	1.2	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.099 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.8 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.8 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.9
2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0072	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0072	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0012	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0066	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0066	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0072	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.8.
Table 10.1.9 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.9 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.10
2,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 66) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	3.4	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	2.6	0.64	40
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	3.4	NC-L	NC-
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.7	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	>0.75	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	3.4	0.64	36
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	1.1	0.39	25
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	2.6	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.095 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.10 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.10 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.11
2,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 66) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.019	0.0039	39
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.021	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0087	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0041	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.021	0.0037	33
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0076	0.0027	24
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.019	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.10.
Table 10.1.11 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.11 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.12
2,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 74) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.0	11	3.2	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.79	11	3.1	16
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.49	9.0	2.7	0
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	14	4.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.0	11	3.3	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.79	11	3.1	16
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.49	9.0	2.7	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	14	4.5	8
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.1	11	3.8	3
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.79	11	3.8	19
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.49	7.7	2.9	9
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	12	3.5	3
3 (2012–2013)	30	1.0	5.9	2.7	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	1.0	6.5	2.5	12
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.75	9.0	2.5	9
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	1.4	3.4	1.8	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.5	3.2	2.2	27
5 (2016–2017)	6	1.4	2.3	1.7	12
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	2.9	1.8	22
3 (2012–2013)	11	1.1	3.2	1.8	28
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.2	2.0	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.0	2.0	1.6	8
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.5	1.0	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.0	1.7	1.3	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.79	1.9	1.3	15
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.75	1.9	1.4	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	5.9	2.1	25
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.3	2.4	1.9	4
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.92	2.0	1.4	25
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.49	1.8	1.2	20
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0020	6.7	4.2	25
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.1	5.5	3.4	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.9	7.0	3.4	34
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.3	3.8	2.7	9
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	7.7	14	10	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.0	11	6.8	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.7	11	6.7	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.3	9.0	5.9	10
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.088, 0.053, 0.039 and 0.020 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.12 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.12 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.13
2,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 74) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0048	0.066	0.018	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0042	0.058	0.016	6
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0022	0.049	0.014	2
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.097	0.027	8
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0048	0.066	0.018	2
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0042	0.058	0.016	5
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0022	0.049	0.014	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.097	0.030	11
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0048	0.066	0.021	3
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0042	0.058	0.019	12
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0022	0.039	0.016	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.080	0.023	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0048	0.031	0.015	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0050	0.042	0.013	5
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0028	0.049	0.013	14
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0057	0.014	0.0079	10
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0075	0.014	0.011	26
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0050	0.0097	0.0074	6
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.016	0.0094	23
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0048	0.014	0.0081	24
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0054	0.0090	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0036	0.0071	0.0055	6
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0081	0.0053	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0048	0.0068	0.0055	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0042	0.0082	0.0054	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0028	0.0076	0.0054	5
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.037	0.012	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0068	0.012	0.0097	3
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0051	0.0090	0.0071	8
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0022	0.0086	0.0058	14
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.000015	0.046	0.028	26
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.012	0.029	0.020	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.012	0.033	0.018	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0068	0.021	0.015	9
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.051	0.097	0.071	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.018	0.066	0.039	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.018	0.058	0.035	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.012	0.049	0.032	13
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.12.
Table 10.1.13 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.13 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.14
3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	34	12	36
4 (2014–2015)	67	7.8	85	17	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	150	14	33
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	38	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	34	12	38
4 (2014–2015)	61	7.8	85	16	17
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	150	14	34
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	38	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	29	12	43
4 (2014–2015)	31	8.8	85	18	23
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	150	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	34	12	32
4 (2014–2015)	30	7.8	28	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	110	12	33
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	5.4	13	8.8	30
4 (2014–2015)	6	9.8	31	19	46
5 (2016–2017)	6	4.6	17	13	4
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.95	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	3.0	14	7.4	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	7.8	43	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.3	150	22	51
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	21	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.7	21	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.2	140	25	9
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	34	12	46
4 (2014–2015)	13	9.5	85	17	37
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	30	14	42
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.6	23	12	51
4 (2014–2015)	12	11	21	16	17
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	34	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	38	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	5.5	29	15	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	11	24	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.9	25	12	20
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.0, 2.6, 0.92 and 1.1 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.14 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.14 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.15
3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.17	0.066	37
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.035	0.31	0.084	5
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.77	0.067	38
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.29	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.17	0.067	39
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.035	0.31	0.084	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.77	0.068	39
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.29	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.17	0.068	43
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.037	0.31	0.088	12
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.77	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.17	0.065	35
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.035	0.14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.41	0.061	41
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.022	0.062	0.040	38
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.049	0.15	0.091	46
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.019	0.072	0.057	10
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.016	0.062	0.033	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.035	0.19	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.012	0.77	0.089	56
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.076	NC-M	NC-M
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.049	0.10	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.029	0.50	0.095	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.17	0.065	50
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.056	0.31	0.084	21
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.14	0.064	45
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.022	0.14	0.070	51
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.050	0.14	0.090	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.18	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.29	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.033	0.17	0.086	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.050	0.14	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.012	0.13	0.063	25
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.14.
Table 10.1.15 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.15 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.16
3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	63	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	4.1	0.83	13
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	63	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	4.0	0.97	22
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	6.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	63	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	4.1	0.69	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	7.3	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	7.8	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	7.1	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	6.1	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.8	0.64	40
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	63	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	1.7	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	15	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	4.1	0.77	42
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	7.3	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	3.2	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	1.5	0.73	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	4.7	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	2.5	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	4.0	1.2	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	2.2	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	6.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	7.8	3.4	16
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.1, 3.3, 1.3 and 1.3 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.16 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.16 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.17
3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.040	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.059	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.32	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.030	0.0053	11
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.040	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.059	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.32	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.030	0.0064	19
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.029	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.059	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.32	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.025	0.0042	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.040	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.032	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.036	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.034	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.022	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0094	0.0033	40
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.059	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.32	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0092	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.040	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.054	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.025	0.0046	39
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.032	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.015	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.011	0.0050	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.025	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.013	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.030	0.0088	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.032	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.036	0.018	23
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.16.
Table 10.1.17 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.17 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.18
2,2',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 99) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.83	6.6	2.6	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.74	7.1	2.6	15
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.77	6.1	2.3	1
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	8.3	3.5	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.83	6.6	2.6	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.74	7.1	2.6	15
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.77	6.1	2.3	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	8.3	3.3	10
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.84	6.6	2.7	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.74	7.1	2.7	22
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.77	6.1	2.4	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	1.3	8.2	3.7	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.83	5.1	2.5	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	1.1	5.2	2.5	8
5 (2016–2017)	30	1.1	5.0	2.2	10
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	1.3	2.2	1.5	3
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.3	2.0	1.7	13
5 (2016–2017)	6	1.3	2.3	1.6	14
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	3.1	1.5	22
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.83	4.4	1.9	37
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.92	1.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.1	1.9	1.4	12
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.3	2.3	1.6	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.84	1.6	1.3	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.74	1.9	1.2	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.0	1.8	1.3	7
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.17	6.7	1.9	21
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.0	2.6	1.7	2
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.0	2.3	1.5	17
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.77	1.9	1.4	12
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	3.2	5.6	4.4	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.9	3.5	2.7	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.1	5.1	3.1	25
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.4	3.3	2.4	2
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	4.6	8.3	6.8	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.8	6.6	5.0	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.6	7.1	4.7	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.4	6.1	4.2	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.087, 0.075, 0.097 and 0.046 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.18 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.18 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.19
2,2',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 99) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0037	0.040	0.014	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0039	0.033	0.013	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0038	0.035	0.012	2
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.057	0.023	11
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0037	0.040	0.014	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0039	0.033	0.014	2
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0038	0.035	0.012	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.057	0.023	11
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0040	0.040	0.015	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0039	0.033	0.014	14
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0038	0.035	0.013	8
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0065	0.054	0.024	12
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0037	0.027	0.014	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0046	0.027	0.013	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0040	0.025	0.011	5
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0053	0.0088	0.0068	11
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0065	0.010	0.0082	13
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0058	0.0097	0.0069	10
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.017	0.0082	21
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0037	0.019	0.0084	33
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0039	0.0077	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0040	0.0067	0.0051	10
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0065	0.012	0.0080	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0040	0.0064	0.0055	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0039	0.0077	0.0051	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0040	0.0072	0.0052	14
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.00094	0.042	0.011	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0056	0.014	0.0091	4
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0051	0.011	0.0074	0
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0038	0.0082	0.0066	6
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.023	0.039	0.030	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.012	0.020	0.015	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.012	0.024	0.017	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0073	0.018	0.014	2
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.033	0.057	0.047	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.020	0.040	0.029	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.016	0.033	0.025	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.012	0.035	0.023	5
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.18.
Table 10.1.19 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.19 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.20
2,2',4,5,5'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 101) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	2.3	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.67	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	2.3	0.18	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.49	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.51	0.16	22
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	2.3	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.70	0.16	43
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.67	0.24	18
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.084 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.20 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.20 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.21
2,2',4,5,5'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 101) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0046	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.014	0.0011	2
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0026	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0026	0.00083	20
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.014	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0049	0.0011	43
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0046	0.0016	17
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.20.
Table 10.1.21 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.21 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.22
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	6.9	1.0	13
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	4.3	0.74	1
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	4.1	0.92	19
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	6.8	1.0	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	6.9	1.0	13
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	4.3	0.75	1
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	4.1	0.93	19
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	3.0	1.1	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	6.9	1.2	9
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	4.3	0.82	8
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	4.1	1.2	34
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.22	6.8	1.0	15
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	1.9	0.86	18
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	1.5	0.68	7
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.17	1.5	0.67	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.37	1.2	0.53	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.80	0.55	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.46	0.76	0.60	18
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.31	1.8	0.58	5
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.1	0.61	36
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.77	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.39	0.68	0.55	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.22	0.60	0.40	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.75	0.46	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.97	0.34	19
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.21	0.72	0.49	14
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.42	6.8	0.77	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.49	1.1	0.76	8
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	1.0	0.44	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.64	0.48	14
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	1.4	1.1	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.5	1.0	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.4	0.71	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.36	4.1	1.4	36
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.3	3.0	2.1	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.91	6.9	1.8	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.1	4.3	1.6	5
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.56	2.4	1.3	9
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.16, 0.11, 0.10 and 0.056 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.22 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.22 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.23
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.041	0.0055	13
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.020	0.0039	10
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.023	0.0048	22
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.042	0.0069	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.041	0.0056	14
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.020	0.0040	10
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.023	0.0049	22
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.021	0.0071	3
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.041	0.0065	10
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.020	0.0043	2
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.023	0.0064	37
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0012	0.042	0.0066	16
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0093	0.0047	18
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0078	0.0037	25
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.00078	0.0081	0.0034	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0015	0.0048	0.0023	7
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0040	0.0027	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0022	0.0032	0.0025	13
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0016	0.010	0.0031	6
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0048	0.0028	32
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0030	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0013	0.0028	0.0020	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0012	0.0030	0.0020	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0034	0.0019	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0039	0.0015	25
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.00078	0.0033	0.0019	21
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0025	0.042	0.0046	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0025	0.0063	0.0040	15
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0044	0.0023	15
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0030	0.0023	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.010	0.0076	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0084	0.0060	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0071	0.0041	19
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0019	0.023	0.0076	35
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0088	0.021	0.014	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0047	0.041	0.011	23
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0053	0.020	0.0085	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0028	0.012	0.0070	13
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.22.
Table 10.1.23 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.23 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.24
2,3,3’,4’,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 110) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.22	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.25	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.070	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.22	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.034 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.24 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.24 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.25
2,3,3’,4’,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 110) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0016	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0013	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0016	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0013	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00034	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.00081	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0016	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00090	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.24.
Table 10.1.25 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.25 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.26
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	1.2	0.34	11
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.95	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	1.0	0.28	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	1.4	0.41	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	1.2	0.35	12
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.95	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	1.0	0.29	3
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	1.4	0.45	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	1.0	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.95	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	1.0	0.31	11
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	1.2	0.38	14
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	1.2	0.37	31
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.61	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.62	0.27	4
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.23	0.11	47
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.20	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.10	0.24	0.17	34
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.14	0.33	0.19	5
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.81	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.16	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.23	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.23	0.12	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.32	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.16	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.23	0.12	47
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.66	0.19	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.46	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.26	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.31	0.60	0.49	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.55	0.36	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.42	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.062	0.49	0.34	0
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.66	1.4	0.97	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.2	0.81	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.95	0.47	44
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.47	1.0	0.64	0
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.11, 0.099, 0.086 and 0.047 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.26 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.26 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.27
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.0064	0.0019	10
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.0050	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0054	0.0015	6
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.010	0.0028	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.0064	0.0019	11
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.0050	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0054	0.0015	6
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.010	0.0030	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.0064	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.0050	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0054	0.0017	12
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0080	0.0025	15
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0064	0.0020	30
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0037	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0030	0.0014	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.00092	0.00051	54
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0010	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.00048	0.00096	0.00070	30
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00071	0.0018	0.0010	5
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0036	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.00072	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00067	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0012	0.00061	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0013	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.00061	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00092	0.00049	50
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0041	0.0011	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0025	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.00091	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0012	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0023	0.0042	0.0034	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0029	0.0021	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0030	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.00032	0.0027	0.0019	0
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0045	0.010	0.0068	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0064	0.0046	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0050	0.0025	52
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0023	0.0054	0.0035	5
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.26.
Table 10.1.27 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.27 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.28
2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.2	12	3.8	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.88	14	3.9	15
5 (2016–2017)	67	1.2	13	3.6	5
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	1.7	18	5.7	4
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.2	12	3.9	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.88	14	4.0	15
5 (2016–2017)	61	1.2	13	3.6	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	1.7	18	6.0	2
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.2	12	4.2	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.88	14	4.6	22
5 (2016–2017)	31	1.2	13	4.1	11
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	1.7	17	5.4	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	1.3	7.0	3.6	2
4 (2014–2015)	30	1.1	8.2	3.3	5
5 (2016–2017)	30	1.5	7.3	3.2	4
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	2.0	3.6	2.3	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.7	3.3	2.5	15
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.1	4.1	2.6	15
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.1	6.1	2.8	8
3 (2012–2013)	11	1.3	5.8	2.6	36
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.5	3.3	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.6	2.4	2.1	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.7	3.0	2.0	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.2	2.5	1.8	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.88	3.1	1.8	23
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.5	2.3	1.8	4
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	2.8	17	3.5	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.3	4.1	2.5	7
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.3	4.1	2.1	27
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.2	2.6	2.1	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	4.0	8.0	6.3	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.9	5.0	4.1	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.2	8.0	4.5	21
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.4	5.7	3.7	4
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	8.7	18	12	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	5.2	12	7.4	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	5.4	14	7.7	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.5	13	7.1	9
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.11, 0.16, 0.076 and 0.042 ng/g lipid, respectively
Table 10.1.28 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.28 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.29
2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0057	0.072	0.021	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0048	0.066	0.020	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0054	0.068	0.019	8
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0085	0.12	0.038	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0057	0.072	0.021	2
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0048	0.066	0.021	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0054	0.068	0.019	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0087	0.12	0.041	0
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0058	0.072	0.023	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0048	0.066	0.024	15
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0059	0.068	0.022	14
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0085	0.11	0.035	12
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0057	0.036	0.019	2
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0055	0.037	0.018	13
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0054	0.039	0.016	0
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0082	0.014	0.010	7
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0085	0.017	0.012	15
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0090	0.017	0.011	10
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.011	0.034	0.015	7
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0057	0.026	0.012	32
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0066	0.015	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0058	0.0097	0.0077	4
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0085	0.015	0.010	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0058	0.010	0.0078	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0048	0.012	0.0075	18
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0054	0.0097	0.0070	11
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.017	0.11	0.021	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0073	0.022	0.013	0
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0081	0.015	0.011	10
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0059	0.012	0.0099	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.030	0.056	0.043	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.017	0.027	0.023	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.017	0.038	0.025	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.013	0.032	0.021	4
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.059	0.12	0.087	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.029	0.072	0.042	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.022	0.066	0.040	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.021	0.068	0.038	14
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection (LODs) for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.28.
Table 10.1.29 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.29 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.30
2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 123) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.41	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.31	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.41	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.23	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.060	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.065	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.095	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.23	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.41	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.23	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.31	0.16	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.37	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.10, 0.22, 0.092 and 0.041 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.30 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.30 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.31
2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 123) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0019	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0029	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0019	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0021	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0019	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0029	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0012	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.00024	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00036	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00053	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00048	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0011	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0011	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0029	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0012	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0021	0.0011	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0019	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.30.
Table 10.1.31 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.31 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.32
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	23	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	27	10	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	37	8.7	12
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	1.3	38	13	7
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	23	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	27	10	19
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	37	8.8	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	2.4	38	14	12
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	23	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	27	11	22
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	37	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	1.3	34	12	0
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	21	8.1	26
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	21	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	17	6.7	29
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	9.8	4.4	85
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	11	9.0	15
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.3	7.2	4.8	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	5.7	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	7.8	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	35	7.3	23
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.4	6.7	4.3	23
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	8.7	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	6.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	37	6.6	66
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	5.8	34	9.7	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	11	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	4.9	21	6.9	25
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	8.6	5.3	35
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	13	19	16	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	18	12	34
4 (2014–2015)	12	7.5	24	13	30
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	14	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	7.0	38	23	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	10	23	16	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.7	27	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	12	21	16	2
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 1.2, 1.4, 0.94 and 2.1 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.32 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.32 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.33
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.13	0.053	6
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.18	0.044	9
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0073	0.26	0.084	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.13	0.054	6
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.18	0.045	8
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.013	0.26	0.091	12
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.13	0.059	15
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.18	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0073	0.21	0.077	2
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.10	0.046	27
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.10	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.092	0.034	23
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.047	0.021	88
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.055	0.044	17
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.062	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0073	0.037	0.025	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.027	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.18	0.029	28
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.013	0.035	0.022	23
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.039	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.026	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.13	0.025	61
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.035	0.21	0.057	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.058	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.025	0.090	0.035	9
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.038	0.024	34
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.085	0.14	0.11	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.096	0.069	33
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.044	0.11	0.068	13
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.073	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.053	0.26	0.16	21
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.056	0.14	0.092	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.044	0.13	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.060	0.11	0.088	6
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.32.
Table 10.1.33 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.33 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.34
2,2',3,3',4,4'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 128) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.95	0.13	15
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.21	0.099	15
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.95	0.15	14
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.42	0.11	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.15	0.094	20
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.95	0.15	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.23	0.12	33
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.21	0.12	2
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.094 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.34 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.34 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.35
2,2',3,3',4,4'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 128) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0059	0.00078	14
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0015	0.00063	16
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0059	0.00094	12
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0023	0.00060	4
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00074	0.00048	18
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0059	0.00090	2
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.0016	0.00078	32
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.0015	0.00085	2
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.34.
Table 10.1.35 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.35 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.36
2,2',3,4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 138) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	2.2	35	14	11
4 (2014–2015)	67	1.8	32	11	16
5 (2016–2017)	67	2.1	23	8.0	13
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	32	13	4
3 (2012–2013)	59	2.2	35	14	10
4 (2014–2015)	61	1.8	32	11	16
5 (2016–2017)	61	2.1	23	8.1	13
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	30	12	10
3 (2012–2013)	29	2.2	35	15	8
4 (2014–2015)	31	1.8	32	12	22
5 (2016–2017)	31	2.1	23	8.6	17
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	3.0	32	14	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	2.8	34	13	13
4 (2014–2015)	30	2.7	28	10	9
5 (2016–2017)	30	2.3	18	7.7	9
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	3.9	9.3	6.0	19
4 (2014–2015)	6	4.4	8.2	5.9	21
5 (2016–2017)	6	3.9	20	5.2	20
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	12	5.0	8
3 (2012–2013)	11	2.5	16	6.4	44
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.7	5.4	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.5	4.9	4.0	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.9	4.7	3.5	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.2	6.4	4.2	22
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.8	5.3	3.1	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.1	3.8	3.1	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	5.3	18	7.1	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.9	11	6.5	15
4 (2014–2015)	13	2.6	8.1	4.4	20
5 (2016–2017)	13	3.0	7.2	3.7	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	25	16	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	11	24	16	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	8.7	26	14	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	5.0	15	10	25
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	20	32	28	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	18	35	30	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	18	32	24	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	10	23	15	9
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.082, 0.15, 0.15 and 0.077 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.36 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.36 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.37
2,2',3,4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 138) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.011	0.22	0.075	10
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.010	0.16	0.058	4
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0085	0.13	0.042	17
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.22	0.087	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.011	0.22	0.077	10
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.010	0.16	0.059	4
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0085	0.13	0.043	17
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.21	0.085	12
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.011	0.22	0.082	8
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.010	0.15	0.063	16
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0086	0.13	0.046	19
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.015	0.22	0.088	0
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.013	0.17	0.072	13
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.013	0.16	0.054	9
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0085	0.090	0.040	14
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.019	0.037	0.026	11
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.020	0.035	0.029	20
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.014	0.084	0.022	16
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.066	0.026	7
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.013	0.070	0.029	41
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.011	0.025	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.010	0.020	0.014	4
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.015	0.024	0.018	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.011	0.026	0.018	20
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.010	0.023	0.013	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0085	0.015	0.012	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.031	0.11	0.042	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.019	0.058	0.034	22
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.015	0.036	0.022	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.014	0.034	0.017	2
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.18	0.11	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.066	0.13	0.092	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.048	0.12	0.074	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.027	0.084	0.058	25
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.15	0.22	0.20	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.094	0.22	0.17	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.090	0.16	0.13	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.050	0.13	0.082	13
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.36.
Table 10.1.37 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.37 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.38
2,2',3,4,5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 141) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.48	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.48	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.087	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.48	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.10	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.13	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.087 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.38 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.38 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.39
2,2',3,4,5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 141) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0030	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.00090	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0030	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00048	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00073	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0030	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	<LOD	0.00066	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	<LOD	0.00090	NC-L	NC-L
LOD: limit of detection; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.38.
Table 10.1.39 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.39 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.40
2,2’,3,4’,5,5’-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 146) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	6.8	2.4	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	6.9	1.9	14
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.33	4.8	1.8	8
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	6.8	2.4	2
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	6.9	2.0	13
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.33	4.8	1.8	8
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	6.8	2.4	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	6.9	2.0	18
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.33	4.8	1.8	11
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	5.8	2.4	4
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	4.8	2.0	9
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.50	4.1	1.8	4
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.76	2.1	1.1	6
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.70	1.6	1.0	28
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.65	3.0	1.0	7
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.5	0.86	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.99	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.56	1.3	0.90	18
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	1.1	0.80	18
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.30	0.90	0.63	13
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.42	0.90	0.68	13
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.82	2.1	1.3	13
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	1.7	0.66	4
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.33	1.5	0.76	10
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.9	4.2	2.7	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.4	3.8	2.4	25
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.0	2.8	2.2	18
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.3	6.8	5.2	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.7	6.9	4.5	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.7	4.8	3.5	1
LOD: limit of detection; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are 0.14, 0.13 and 0.086 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.40 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.40 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.41
2,2',3,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 146) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.044	0.013	2
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.032	0.010	1
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0015	0.027	0.0094	11
Total, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.044	0.013	2
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.032	0.010	1
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0015	0.027	0.0096	11
Females, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.044	0.013	0
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.032	0.010	11
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0015	0.027	0.0095	14
Males, 6–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.029	0.013	5
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.026	0.010	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0020	0.021	0.0096	9
3–5 years
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0036	0.0084	0.0047	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0034	0.0069	0.0051	27
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0023	0.013	0.0043	2
6–11 years
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0066	0.0039	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0045	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0020	0.0042	0.0032	15
12–19 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0044	0.0034	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0016	0.0039	0.0027	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0017	0.0036	0.0026	19
20–39 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0039	0.012	0.0069	19
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0075	0.0034	13
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0015	0.0071	0.0036	3
40–59 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.011	0.024	0.015	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0083	0.018	0.013	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0052	0.017	0.013	19
60–79 years
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.022	0.044	0.029	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.018	0.032	0.023	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.014	0.027	0.019	5
LOD: limit of detection; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.40.
Table 10.1.41 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.41 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.42
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	3.7	53	21	3
4 (2014–2015)	67	2.8	62	19	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	4.1	51	17	12
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	4.7	61	24	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	3.7	53	21	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	2.8	62	19	18
5 (2016–2017)	61	4.1	51	17	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	4.8	58	24	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	3.7	51	21	2
4 (2014–2015)	31	2.8	62	20	25
5 (2016–2017)	31	4.1	51	17	16
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	4.7	61	24	5
3 (2012–2013)	30	4.9	53	21	5
4 (2014–2015)	30	4.1	53	19	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	5.1	49	16	8
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	7.2	14	9.1	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	6.6	11	8.5	15
5 (2016–2017)	6	6.5	27	8.9	15
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	6.9	14	8.6	3
3 (2012–2013)	11	4.6	17	8.6	25
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.5	8.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.9	8.9	7.4	12
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	4.7	8.2	5.9	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.7	7.4	5.5	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.8	7.8	5.1	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.1	7.3	5.5	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	8.5	24	12	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	6.9	13	9.3	6
4 (2014–2015)	13	4.2	13	7.3	22
5 (2016–2017)	13	4.5	12	6.5	3
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	23	36	30	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	18	31	25	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	14	39	23	23
5 (2016–2017)	12	11	26	20	18
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	46	61	53	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	37	53	47	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	34	62	43	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	27	51	35	9
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection (LODs) for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.075, 0.48, 0.11 and 0.079 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.42 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.42 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.43
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.016	0.33	0.12	3
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.015	0.29	0.10	5
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.016	0.29	0.088	16
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.024	0.41	0.16	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.016	0.33	0.12	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.015	0.29	0.10	5
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.016	0.29	0.089	15
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.024	0.41	0.16	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.016	0.33	0.12	3
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.015	0.29	0.10	18
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.016	0.29	0.093	18
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.025	0.41	0.16	7
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.023	0.28	0.12	4
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.020	0.24	0.10	9
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.018	0.26	0.086	13
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.033	0.056	0.040	7
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.033	0.049	0.042	14
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.023	0.11	0.038	10
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.036	0.073	0.046	2
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.024	0.075	0.039	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.020	0.044	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.018	0.036	0.026	11
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.024	0.041	0.030	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.016	0.030	0.023	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.015	0.034	0.021	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.016	0.029	0.021	15
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.050	0.15	0.069	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.035	0.069	0.049	1
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.024	0.057	0.037	5
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.021	0.056	0.031	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.15	0.25	0.21	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.11	0.19	0.14	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.083	0.18	0.13	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.057	0.15	0.11	18
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.31	0.41	0.37	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.21	0.33	0.27	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.19	0.29	0.23	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.14	0.29	0.19	13
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.42.
Table 10.1.43 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.43 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.44
2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	6.1	2.2	6
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.30	6.6	2.2	12
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.075	6.4	1.8	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.52	8.6	3.1	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	6.1	2.2	6
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.30	6.6	2.2	12
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.075	6.4	1.8	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.52	8.6	3.0	3
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	6.0	2.2	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.30	6.6	2.3	19
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.075	6.4	1.8	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.60	8.2	3.1	8
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.33	6.1	2.3	9
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.46	5.8	2.2	4
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.35	4.5	1.8	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.72	1.8	1.0	8
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.57	1.1	0.79	17
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.68	3.1	0.97	25
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.82	2.7	1.3	8
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.33	3.4	1.3	40
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.38	0.90	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.52	1.0	0.75	11
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.52	1.0	0.69	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.94	0.64	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.30	0.88	0.58	17
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.35	0.81	0.60	5
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.99	3.2	1.3	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.68	1.4	0.88	5
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.44	1.2	0.73	17
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.075	0.90	0.60	15
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.9	5.8	4.1	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.9	3.9	2.7	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.6	4.5	2.7	19
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.80	2.2	1.9	8
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	5.7	8.6	6.7	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.2	6.1	5.0	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	4.3	6.6	5.1	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.4	6.4	4.3	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.070, 0.20, 0.13 and 0.078 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.44 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.44 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.45
2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.038	0.012	7
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0016	0.032	0.012	1
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.00037	0.036	0.0094	1
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0027	0.059	0.020	7
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.038	0.012	7
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0016	0.032	0.012	1
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.00037	0.036	0.0096	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0027	0.059	0.021	4
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.038	0.012	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0016	0.032	0.012	12
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.00037	0.036	0.010	0
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0030	0.054	0.020	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0015	0.032	0.013	9
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0023	0.029	0.012	15
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0013	0.022	0.0091	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0035	0.0072	0.0045	1
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0029	0.0055	0.0039	16
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0024	0.013	0.0041	20
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0042	0.015	0.0067	9
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0015	0.015	0.0057	36
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0016	0.0040	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0019	0.0039	0.0026	8
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0027	0.0050	0.0035	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0038	0.0027	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0016	0.0038	0.0025	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0013	0.0032	0.0023	11
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0058	0.020	0.0077	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0033	0.0073	0.0046	2
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0026	0.0062	0.0037	0
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.00037	0.0047	0.0029	7
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.019	0.040	0.028	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.011	0.022	0.015	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0088	0.021	0.015	0
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0043	0.012	0.011	8
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.039	0.059	0.047	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0072	0.038	0.028	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.021	0.032	0.027	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.017	0.036	0.023	1
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.44.
Table 10.1.45 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.45 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.46
2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 157) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	2.4	0.60	0
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	1.9	0.50	29
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	1.7	0.38	18
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.12	2.0	0.72	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	2.4	0.61	0
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	1.9	0.52	29
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	1.7	0.38	20
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.12	1.9	0.72	2
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	2.4	0.65	3
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	1.9	0.55	39
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	1.7	0.42	17
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.13	2.0	0.73	10
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	1.5	0.57	3
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	1.7	0.48	17
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	1.0	0.34	22
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.18	0.51	0.25	8
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.23	0.19	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.16	0.57	0.25	29
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.19	0.71	0.32	6
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	1.2	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.26	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.32	0.21	18
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.12	0.27	0.18	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.24	0.16	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.23	0.13	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.24	0.17	6
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.27	0.77	0.32	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.34	0.20	21
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.29	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.23	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.66	1.2	0.95	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.93	0.73	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.4	0.56	59
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.59	0.33	48
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.3	2.0	1.6	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.90	2.4	1.4	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.79	1.9	1.3	13
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.67	1.7	0.97	11
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.076, 0.19, 0.13 and 0.080 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.46 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.46 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.47
2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 157) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.014	0.0033	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.0089	0.0026	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0086	0.0020	17
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.00062	0.013	0.0048	7
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.014	0.0034	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.0089	0.0026	18
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0086	0.0020	18
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.00062	0.013	0.0049	2
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.014	0.0037	4
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.0089	0.0028	35
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0086	0.0023	15
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00065	0.013	0.0047	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0074	0.0031	3
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0073	0.0025	1
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0050	0.0017	20
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.00074	0.0020	0.0011	17
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0012	0.0010	10
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.00058	0.0024	0.0010	24
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0010	0.0039	0.0017	7
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0053	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0011	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0012	0.00073	14
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00062	0.0014	0.00093	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.00090	0.00068	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0010	0.00056	8
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00096	0.00066	12
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0016	0.0048	0.0019	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0018	0.0010	14
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0015	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0011	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0043	0.0088	0.0065	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0053	0.0042	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0066	0.0029	44
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0033	0.0019	48
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0088	0.013	0.011	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0047	0.014	0.0080	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0049	0.0089	0.0066	5
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0034	0.0086	0.0052	7
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.46.
Table 10.1.47 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.47 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.48
2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 167) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	1.6	0.49	21
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	1.8	0.51	0
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	1.9	0.46	17
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.19	2.6	0.84	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	1.6	0.50	21
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	1.8	0.52	1
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	1.9	0.46	18
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.19	2.6	0.91	3
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	1.6	0.51	21
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	1.8	0.60	10
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	1.9	0.52	8
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.19	2.1	0.77	9
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	1.4	0.49	21
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	1.3	0.45	14
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	1.1	0.41	29
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.18	0.37	0.26	16
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.40	0.27	12
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.23	1.4	0.34	27
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.19	0.83	0.34	2
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.71	0.29	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.35	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.18	0.33	0.26	13
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.19	0.30	0.25	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.34	0.21	14
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.24	0.14	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.26	0.20	9
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.33	0.98	0.40	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.39	0.24	32
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.45	0.19	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.38	0.17	25
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.57	1.3	1.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.37	0.71	0.55	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.1	0.57	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.068	0.68	0.45	40
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.5	2.6	1.9	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.18	1.6	1.1	20
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.0	1.8	1.3	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.66	1.9	1.1	8
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.061, 0.10, 0.11 and 0.066 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.48 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.48 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.49
2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 167) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.010	0.0027	21
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.010	0.0028	12
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0095	0.0024	15
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.00091	0.018	0.0056	7
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.010	0.0027	21
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.010	0.0028	13
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0095	0.0024	16
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.00091	0.018	0.0062	5
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.010	0.0028	21
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.010	0.0031	3
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0095	0.0028	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0010	0.014	0.0050	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0073	0.0027	21
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.0068	0.0025	32
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0054	0.0021	28
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.00074	0.0015	0.0012	24
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0018	0.0013	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.00083	0.0059	0.0015	22
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0010	0.0046	0.0018	3
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0031	0.0013	16
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0014	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.00065	0.0013	0.00093	11
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00091	0.0015	0.0013	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0014	0.00086	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0010	0.00060	22
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0010	0.00079	16
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0020	0.0061	0.0024	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0020	0.0012	26
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0020	0.0010	19
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.0018	0.00079	18
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0042	0.0088	0.0069	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0022	0.0043	0.0032	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0052	0.0033	17
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.00043	0.0040	0.0025	41
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.010	0.018	0.014	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0011	0.010	0.0060	20
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0041	0.010	0.0066	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0033	0.0095	0.0059	3
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.48.
Table 10.1.49 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.49 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.50
3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	31	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	36	14	19
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	21	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.71	35	13	0
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	31	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	36	14	19
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	21	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	1.7	32	11	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	31	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	36	13	27
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	21	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.71	35	15	5
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	29	14	17
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	35	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	15	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	11	9.0	1
4 (2014–2015)	6	5.6	12	9.2	8
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	9.0	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.71	7.0	4.4	11
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	6.7	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	8.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	14	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.8	6.7	4.4	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	7.3	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.9	8.6	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	4.9	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	4.5	15	8.6	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	18	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	3.6	19	6.5	31
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	6.8	2.4	54
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	14	27	17	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	23	14	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.5	25	17	26
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	13	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.7	35	24	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	22	31	26	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	11	36	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	21	12	21
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.71, 1.1, 0.61 and 1.5 pg/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.50 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.50 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.51
3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (pg/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.17	0.072	6
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0040	0.23	0.087	1
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.17	0.072	6
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.011	0.22	0.076	6
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.17	0.068	19
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.12	NC-M	NC-M
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0040	0.23	0.098	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.16	0.081	18
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.17	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.075	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.047	0.040	7
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.027	0.060	0.045	9
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.043	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0040	0.036	0.023	10
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.029	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.032	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.056	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.013	0.034	0.023	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.035	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.016	0.042	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.018	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.027	0.092	0.051	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.10	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.021	0.082	0.032	15
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.040	0.011	47
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.091	0.20	0.12	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.14	0.081	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.050	0.12	0.094	8
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.074	NC-M	NC-M
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.013	0.23	0.16	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.11	0.19	0.15	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.050	0.17	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.12	0.062	18
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.50.
Table 10.1.51 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.51 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.52
2,2',3,3',4,4',5-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 170) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.73	17	5.6	7
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	18	5.7	12
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.68	20	4.7	0
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.80	22	6.8	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.73	17	5.8	7
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	18	5.8	12
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.68	20	4.8	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	1.0	19	6.5	9
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.73	16	5.5	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	18	5.7	20
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.68	20	4.9	5
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.80	22	7.1	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.85	17	6.0	10
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.88	15	6.0	4
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.79	12	4.6	6
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	1.6	2.8	2.0	5
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.3	2.5	1.7	14
5 (2016–2017)	6	1.3	12	2.3	29
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.2	3.0	1.8	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.93	2.6	1.8	13
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.83	2.1	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.98	2.5	1.8	23
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.80	2.2	1.4	19
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.73	1.6	1.2	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.7	0.99	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.78	1.6	1.2	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	2.2	6.9	3.1	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.7	3.5	2.4	7
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.0	3.6	1.9	22
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.68	2.4	1.7	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	5.7	12	9.0	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	5.0	8.2	6.9	0
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.9	11	7.0	19
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.8	5.9	4.9	2
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	13	22	15	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.9	17	13	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	11	18	14	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	8.9	20	12	2
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.095, 0.15, 0.12 and 0.064 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.52 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.52 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.53
2,2',3,3',4,4',5-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 170) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0035	0.096	0.031	7
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.087	0.030	1
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0029	0.11	0.025	3
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0043	0.15	0.045	8
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0035	0.096	0.032	7
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.087	0.031	1
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0029	0.11	0.025	2
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0048	0.13	0.044	10
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0035	0.096	0.031	5
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.085	0.030	13
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0033	0.11	0.027	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0043	0.15	0.046	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0041	0.088	0.033	9
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.0043	0.087	0.032	15
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0029	0.059	0.024	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0066	0.011	0.0088	14
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0063	0.011	0.0084	13
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0047	0.050	0.0096	24
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0061	0.016	0.0097	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0041	0.011	0.0080	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0035	0.011	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0035	0.011	0.0063	20
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0043	0.011	0.0069	18
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0035	0.0064	0.0051	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0073	0.0042	5
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0029	0.0064	0.0045	3
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.013	0.043	0.019	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0086	0.019	0.012	0
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.0058	0.016	0.0098	5
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0033	0.012	0.0080	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.038	0.082	0.061	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.030	0.049	0.040	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.023	0.052	0.039	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.015	0.033	0.028	2
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.088	0.15	0.10	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.017	0.096	0.075	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.062	0.087	0.073	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.050	0.11	0.062	2
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.52.
Table 10.1.53 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.53 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.54
2,2',3,3',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 178) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.19	5.2	1.2	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.19	2.8	1.1	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.21	5.2	1.3	8
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.23	0.51	0.31	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.19	0.35	0.27	15
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.31	1.1	0.52	2
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	1.0	2.0	1.5	1
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	2.3	5.2	2.8	10
Note: The mean limit of detection for ycle 1 is 0.080 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.54 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.54 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.55
2,2',3,3',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 178) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0010	0.035	0.0079	9
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0010	0.020	0.0075	7
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0011	0.035	0.0083	10
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0012	0.0027	0.0017	5
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0010	0.0018	0.0014	14
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0018	0.0068	0.0031	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0065	0.014	0.010	2
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.017	0.035	0.020	10
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.54.
Table 10.1.55 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.55 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.56
2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	2.1	55	17	9
4 (2014–2015)	67	1.6	52	16	13
5 (2016–2017)	67	2.2	62	14	4
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	3.2	110	23	9
3 (2012–2013)	59	2.1	55	17	9
4 (2014–2015)	61	1.6	52	16	13
5 (2016–2017)	61	2.2	62	15	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	3.2	55	22	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	2.1	47	15	6
4 (2014–2015)	31	1.6	52	16	20
5 (2016–2017)	31	2.2	62	15	13
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	3.4	110	25	11
3 (2012–2013)	30	2.6	55	19	11
4 (2014–2015)	30	2.3	44	17	6
5 (2016–2017)	30	2.7	40	14	6
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	4.0	6.6	5.2	3
4 (2014–2015)	6	3.2	6.6	4.3	19
5 (2016–2017)	6	3.2	25	5.0	20
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.9	10	5.7	1
3 (2012–2013)	11	2.5	6.6	4.5	11
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.1	5.2	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.4	5.7	4.3	18
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.2	5.8	4.1	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.1	4.3	3.2	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.6	4.3	3.0	13
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.2	3.8	3.1	3
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	6.6	20	9.9	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.7	9.3	6.3	7
4 (2014–2015)	13	2.8	7.4	4.9	16
5 (2016–2017)	13	2.6	6.6	5.0	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	20	39	29	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	14	31	20	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	10	32	19	24
5 (2016–2017)	12	8.8	18	14	3
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	48	110	57	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	7.9	55	41	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	30	52	40	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	32	62	37	2
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.090, 0.10, 0.089 and 0.061 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.56 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.56 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.57
2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.010	0.29	0.093	9
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.0085	0.25	0.083	0
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0086	0.35	0.076	7
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.017	0.74	0.16	10
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.010	0.29	0.095	9
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.0085	0.25	0.086	0
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0086	0.35	0.078	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.017	0.42	0.15	9
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.010	0.28	0.088	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.0085	0.25	0.082	14
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0086	0.35	0.081	15
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.017	0.74	0.16	12
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.012	0.29	0.10	10
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.011	0.24	0.089	13
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.011	0.20	0.075	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.019	0.027	0.023	11
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.014	0.028	0.021	18
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.012	0.11	0.021	15
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.020	0.052	0.030	0
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.012	0.029	0.020	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0088	0.026	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0086	0.023	0.015	17
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.017	0.029	0.021	16
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.010	0.017	0.013	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.0085	0.017	0.013	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0096	0.015	0.012	3
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.039	0.12	0.058	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.024	0.049	0.033	0
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.016	0.043	0.025	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.013	0.039	0.024	14
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.13	0.28	0.19	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.078	0.19	0.12	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.059	0.15	0.11	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.046	0.10	0.082	4
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.33	0.74	0.40	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.047	0.29	0.23	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.18	0.25	0.21	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.16	0.35	0.20	7
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean limits of detection for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.56.
Table 10.1.57 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.57 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.58
2,2',3,4,4',5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 183) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.27	5.1	1.6	6
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.32	3.5	1.5	4
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.27	5.1	1.6	7
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.28	0.63	0.47	7
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.27	0.53	0.38	17
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.60	2.1	0.88	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	1.5	2.2	1.9	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	2.9	5.1	3.4	7
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.072 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.58 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.58 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.59
2,2',3,4,4',5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 183) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0014	0.034	0.010	7
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0017	0.027	0.010	5
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0014	0.034	0.010	9
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0015	0.0035	0.0025	7
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0014	0.0028	0.0020	17
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0035	0.013	0.0052	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.010	0.016	0.013	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.021	0.034	0.024	7
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.58.
Table 10.1.59 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.59 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.60
2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 187) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.65	14	4.8	4
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	14	4.1	10
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.37	18	3.7	9
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.58	22	4.6	4
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.65	14	4.9	4
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	14	4.2	10
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.37	18	3.7	8
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.71	11	4.4	3
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.65	14	4.7	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	14	4.3	10
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.37	13	3.6	12
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.58	22	4.9	5
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.73	13	5.1	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	12	4.0	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.62	18	3.9	5
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	1.3	2.7	1.7	1
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.1	2.5	1.5	14
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.90	6.4	1.6	19
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.83	2.0	1.2	2
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.73	2.5	1.4	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.7	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.61	1.9	1.5	4
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.58	1.5	0.96	20
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.65	1.3	1.1	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	1.5	0.84	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.37	1.2	0.82	1
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	1.4	5.4	2.2	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.3	3.2	2.3	9
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	2.5	1.2	1
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.83	1.9	1.2	12
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	4.0	7.5	5.7	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.9	6.9	5.6	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.1	6.8	4.9	9
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.5	11	4.0	1
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	8.4	22	11	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.1	14	11	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.3	14	10	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.1	18	9.1	12
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.073, 0.11, 0.11 and 0.063 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.60 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.60 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.61
2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 187) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0031	0.090	0.027	4
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.069	0.022	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.0017	0.090	0.020	12
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0031	0.15	0.031	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0031	0.090	0.027	4
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.069	0.022	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.0017	0.090	0.020	11
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0038	0.076	0.030	5
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0031	0.090	0.027	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.069	0.023	4
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.0017	0.074	0.020	13
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0031	0.15	0.032	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.0032	0.069	0.028	2
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.065	0.022	10
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.0023	0.090	0.020	9
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.0057	0.011	0.0076	10
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.0050	0.011	0.0073	13
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.0032	0.027	0.0070	14
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0043	0.010	0.0062	1
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0032	0.011	0.0064	12
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0077	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0027	0.0076	0.0053	2
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0031	0.0078	0.0049	20
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0031	0.0053	0.0047	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0057	0.0035	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0017	0.0044	0.0031	7
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0083	0.033	0.013	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0062	0.018	0.012	16
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.012	0.0063	16
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0041	0.011	0.0056	16
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.027	0.054	0.039	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.023	0.040	0.033	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.017	0.040	0.028	10
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.014	0.069	0.023	2
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.060	0.15	0.076	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.019	0.090	0.063	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.020	0.069	0.053	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.036	0.090	0.049	16
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.60.
Table 10.1.61 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.61 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.62
2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 189) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.92	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.71	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.83	0.28	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.92	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.71	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.81	0.26	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.78	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.81	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.71	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.83	0.30	0
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.92	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.38	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	2.3	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.19	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.15	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.30	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.079	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.10	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.090	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.088	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.28	0.11	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.20	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.12	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.23	0.50	0.38	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.50	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	13	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.14	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.56	0.83	0.64	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.92	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.95	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.28	0.71	0.37	9
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.084, 0.26, 0.76 and 0.056 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.62 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.62 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.63
2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 189) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.084	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.0056	0.0019	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.084	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.0056	0.0018	8
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.0047	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.0043	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	31	<LOD	0.0040	NC-L	NC-L
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	<LOD	0.0056	0.0020	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.084	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.0019	NC-L	NC-L
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.00076	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.012	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.00080	NC-L	NC-L
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00078	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0013	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00035	NC-L	NC-L
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.00050	NC-L	NC-L
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.00040	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00036	NC-L	NC-L
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	<LOD	0.0016	0.00068	0
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0010	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	<LOD	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	13	<LOD	0.00058	NC-L	NC-L
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0015	0.0032	0.0026	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0029	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.084	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.00078	NC-L	NC-L
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.0038	0.0056	0.0044	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0048	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0059	NC-L	NC-L
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0015	0.0040	0.0020	14
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.62.
Table 10.1.63 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.63 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.64
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 194) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	13	3.7	10
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	14	3.5	7
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	15	2.7	9
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.26	21	3.6	13
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	13	3.8	10
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	14	3.6	7
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	15	2.8	9
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.26	8.6	3.1	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	12	3.4	6
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	14	3.1	15
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.20	15	2.7	24
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.36	21	4.0	18
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	13	4.2	13
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	13	4.1	1
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	9.2	2.9	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.70	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.68	0.45	12
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.84	0.30	69
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.34	0.76	0.49	5
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.62	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.54	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.71	0.39	17
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.26	0.72	0.43	15
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.64	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.85	0.32	43
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.17	0.58	0.38	18
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.77	2.2	1.2	8
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.65	2.2	1.2	10
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	1.3	0.66	3
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.27	1.1	0.75	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	3.0	7.4	4.5	11
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.8	6.2	4.4	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.2	4.9	3.9	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.3	3.2	2.5	8
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	7.4	21	9.5	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	13	10	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	7.4	14	10	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.8	15	7.9	11
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are 0.048, 0.19, 0.15 and 0.029 ng/g lipid, respectively.
Table 10.1.64 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.64 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.65
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 194) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	<LOD	0.072	0.021	10
4 (2014–2015)	67	<LOD	0.075	0.019	6
5 (2016–2017)	67	<LOD	0.086	0.014	13
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0012	0.14	0.024	15
3 (2012–2013)	59	<LOD	0.072	0.021	10
4 (2014–2015)	61	<LOD	0.075	0.019	6
5 (2016–2017)	61	<LOD	0.086	0.015	13
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0012	0.065	0.022	9
3 (2012–2013)	29	<LOD	0.072	0.019	7
4 (2014–2015)	31	<LOD	0.067	0.016	9
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.00092	0.086	0.015	27
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0018	0.14	0.027	19
3 (2012–2013)	30	<LOD	0.068	0.023	12
4 (2014–2015)	30	<LOD	0.075	0.022	18
5 (2016–2017)	30	<LOD	0.044	0.015	2
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	<LOD	0.0034	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	6	<LOD	0.0029	0.0022	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	<LOD	0.0035	0.0014	71
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0017	0.0040	0.0026	5
3 (2012–2013)	11	<LOD	0.0028	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0027	NC-M	NC-M
5 (2016–2017)	12	<LOD	0.0028	0.0015	12
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0012	0.0036	0.0022	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.0025	NC-L	NC-L
4 (2014–2015)	12	<LOD	0.0032	0.0013	44
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.00063	0.0023	0.0014	11
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0045	0.014	0.0071	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.0036	0.011	0.0062	3
4 (2014–2015)	13	<LOD	0.0074	0.0035	14
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.0013	0.0053	0.0035	3
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.020	0.053	0.031	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.016	0.037	0.025	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.010	0.033	0.022	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.0068	0.018	0.015	8
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.051	0.14	0.066	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	<LOD	0.072	0.058	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.042	0.075	0.054	7
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.025	0.086	0.043	16
LOD: limit of detection; NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1; NC-L: Data not calculated as over 40% of pools were below the LOD; NC-M: Data not calculated as pools representing over 10% of the target population were missing due to sample loss
Note: The mean LODs for cycles 1, 3, 4 and 5 are presented in Table 10.1.64.
Table 10.1.65 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.65 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.66
2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 195) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	4.3	0.82	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	2.0	0.78	9
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.063	4.3	0.86	14
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.26	0.15	7
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.22	0.15	22
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.24	0.93	0.36	4
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.65	1.4	1.0	13
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.6	4.3	2.0	10
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is 0.071 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.66 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.66 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.67
2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 195) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	<LOD	0.029	0.0055	13
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	<LOD	0.015	0.0054	11
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.000	0.029	0.0056	16
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0014	0.00078	6
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	<LOD	0.0011	0.00076	22
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0014	0.0058	0.0021	1
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0045	0.010	0.0071	14
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.011	0.029	0.014	11
LOD: limit of detection
Note: The mean LOD for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.66.
Table 10.1.67 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.67 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.68
2,2',3,3',4,5',6,6'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 201) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.26	21	3.1	11
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.26	8.2	2.8	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.31	21	3.4	17
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.31	0.68	0.50	3
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.26	0.61	0.42	19
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.71	2.1	1.1	5
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.2	6.3	3.8	7
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	6.2	21	8.5	12
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.049 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.68 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.68 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.69
2,2',3,3',4,5',6,6'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 201) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0014	0.14	0.021	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0014	0.057	0.020	5
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0016	0.14	0.023	18
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0016	0.0035	0.0026	3
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0014	0.0032	0.0021	19
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0042	0.013	0.0063	2
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.015	0.045	0.026	8
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.043	0.14	0.059	12
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.68.
Table 10.1.69 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.69 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.70
2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 203) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.38	16	3.2	9
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.38	7.6	2.9	6
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.39	16	3.5	12
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.39	0.86	0.54	1
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.38	0.66	0.47	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.92	2.3	1.2	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.7	5.7	4.1	6
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	6.5	16	8.0	10
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.047 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.70 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.70 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.71
2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 203) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.0019	0.11	0.021	11
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.0019	0.058	0.020	8
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.0021	0.11	0.023	13
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0021	0.0045	0.0028	2
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.0019	0.0033	0.0024	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0054	0.014	0.0071	5
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.018	0.041	0.028	6
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.045	0.11	0.056	11
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.70.
Table 10.1.71 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.71 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.72
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6-Nonachlorobiphenyl (PCB 206) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.025	4.2	0.94	9
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.025	2.5	0.87	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.084	4.2	1.0	15
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.025	0.22	0.11	9
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.069	0.19	0.12	7
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.20	0.48	0.31	13
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.74	1.8	1.1	9
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.9	4.2	2.6	7
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.022 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.72 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.72 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.73
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6-Nonachlorobiphenyl (PCB 206) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.00013	0.028	0.0063	11
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.00013	0.019	0.0060	5
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00044	0.028	0.0066	16
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00013	0.0012	0.00060	7
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00035	0.0010	0.00063	7
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.0012	0.0028	0.0019	10
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0055	0.013	0.0078	9
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.013	0.028	0.018	8
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.72.
Table 10.1.73 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.73 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.74
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decachlorobiphenyl (PCB 209) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.027	2.6	0.72	3
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.027	2.1	0.66	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.069	2.6	0.77	3
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.027	0.16	0.087	23
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.065	0.18	0.11	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.11	0.37	0.23	17
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.61	1.5	0.87	3
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.4	2.6	2.0	0
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is 0.012 ng/g lipid.
Table 10.1.74 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.74 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.75
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decachlorobiphenyl (PCB 209) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.00014	0.017	0.0049	4
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.00014	0.014	0.0046	4
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.00036	0.017	0.0051	4
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00014	0.00083	0.00046	22
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.00035	0.00090	0.00054	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.00065	0.0022	0.0014	14
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.0040	0.010	0.0059	3
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.010	0.017	0.014	1
Note: The mean limit of detection for cycle 1 is presented in Table 10.1.74.
Table 10.1.75 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.75 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.76
Marker polychlorinated biphenyls (sum of PCB 138, 153, 180) (lipid adjusted) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	8.2	140	51	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	6.3	140	46	16
5 (2016–2017)	67	8.6	140	39	10
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	11	200	60	7
3 (2012–2013)	59	8.2	140	52	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	6.3	140	47	16
5 (2016–2017)	61	8.6	140	40	9
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	11	140	58	7
3 (2012–2013)	29	8.2	130	51	0
4 (2014–2015)	31	6.3	140	48	23
5 (2016–2017)	31	8.6	140	41	15
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	11	200	62	6
3 (2012–2013)	30	10	140	53	3
4 (2014–2015)	30	9.1	120	46	8
5 (2016–2017)	30	11	98	38	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	15	29	20	6
4 (2014–2015)	6	14	26	19	18
5 (2016–2017)	6	14	72	19	18
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	12	32	19	3
3 (2012–2013)	11	9.6	40	20	28
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.5	19	14	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	11	20	16	12
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	11	18	14	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	8.2	17	13	7
4 (2014–2015)	12	6.3	17	11	16
5 (2016–2017)	12	8.6	15	12	2
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	20	62	28	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	16	33	22	1
4 (2014–2015)	13	9.6	28	17	19
5 (2016–2017)	13	11	25	15	2
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	52	91	75	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	44	78	61	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	33	97	56	24
5 (2016–2017)	12	25	59	45	15
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	120	200	140	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	90	140	120	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	91	140	110	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	69	140	88	7
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the sum of PCB 138, 153 and 180 is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the sum will be the sum of the imputed values.
Table 10.1.76 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.76 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table 10.1.77
Marker polychlorinated biphenyls (sum of PCB 138, 153, 180) (whole weight) — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum pooled serum concentrations (ng/g serum) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.039	0.83	0.28	1
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.033	0.67	0.24	3
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.037	0.80	0.21	13
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.055	1.3	0.40	8
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.039	0.83	0.29	1
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.033	0.67	0.25	3
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.037	0.80	0.21	13
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.056	1.1	0.40	9
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.039	0.83	0.29	1
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.033	0.67	0.25	16
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.037	0.80	0.22	17
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.055	1.3	0.41	8
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.048	0.73	0.29	2
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.045	0.60	0.24	11
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.041	0.52	0.20	8
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.072	0.12	0.089	2
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.068	0.11	0.091	17
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.050	0.30	0.082	12
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.061	0.18	0.10	3
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.048	0.18	0.089	24
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.040	0.095	0.064	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.040	0.080	0.057	10
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.055	0.090	0.069	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.039	0.068	0.055	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.033	0.073	0.048	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.037	0.060	0.045	8
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.12	0.38	0.17	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.077	0.17	0.12	6
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.056	0.14	0.085	2
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.052	0.12	0.073	8
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.37	0.64	0.51	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.26	0.47	0.35	3
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.19	0.46	0.31	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.14	0.33	0.25	15
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.83	1.3	0.97	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.52	0.83	0.67	2
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.45	0.67	0.56	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.35	0.80	0.47	11
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the sum of PCB 138, 153 and 180 is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the sum will be the sum of the imputed values.
Table 10.1.77 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table 10.1.77 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

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Appendix A: Limits of detection

For cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), laboratory analyses of environmental chemicals were performed by the Food Research Division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch (Ontario, Canada). Mean limits of detection (LODs) were established using a 3:1 signal to baseline noise ratio (Rawn et al., 2012; Rawn et al., 2014). Mean LODs for cycle 1 are presented as weight of chemical per gram of lipid in Table A-1.

For cycles 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017) of the CHMS, laboratory analyses of environmental chemicals were performed at the Food Laboratory Toronto, part of Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch. The LODs are defined as the lowest concentration of the analyte whose analytical response is measured to be greater than the noise level with 99% confidence. For hexabromocyclododecane, tetrabromobisphenol A and the organochlorine pesticides, the LODs were determined for the analysis methods and are constant for each pool analyzed (Table A-2). Conversely, an individual LOD was generated for each pool in the analyses for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans), polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls. For these analytes, the mean and range (minimum to maximum) of LOD values are given in Table A-3. The minimum LOD was the lowest and the maximum LOD was the highest among all pooled samples analyzed. LODs for cycles 3, 4 and 5 are presented as weight of chemical per gram of lipid.

The mean LODs can be converted to units of whole weight using the mean lipid content for pools (cycle 1: 0.61%, cycle 3: 0.49%, cycle 4: 0.48%, cycle 5: 0.46%) and the formula:

Mean whole weight (ng/g serum) = mean lipid weight (ng/g lipid) x mean lipid content / 100.

Table A-1
Mean sample limits of detection for environmental chemicals measured in pooled serum from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007-2009)
Chemical	Units	Cycle 1 (2007–2009)
Dioxins
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)	pg/g lipid	1.1
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD)	pg/g lipid	1.3
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	pg/g lipid	1.7
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	pg/g lipid	1.7
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	pg/g lipid	2.1
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD)	pg/g lipid	1.7
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)	pg/g lipid	4.4
Furans
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.3
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.1
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.3
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.0
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.1
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.4
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.4
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	pg/g lipid	1.8
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	pg/g lipid	2.6
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF)	pg/g lipid	2.2
Flame retardants: Hexabromocyclododecane
alpha-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCD)	ng/g lipid	0.18
beta-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCD)	ng/g lipid	0.31
gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCD)	ng/g lipid	0.16
Flame retardants: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
4,4'-Dibromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 15)	ng/g lipid	0.0096
2,2',4-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 17)	ng/g lipid	0.015
2,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 28)	ng/g lipid	0.015
3,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 37)	ng/g lipid	0.013
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 47)	ng/g lipid	0.016
2,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 66)	ng/g lipid	0.024
2,3',4',6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 71)	ng/g lipid	0.026
2,4,4′,6-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 75)	ng/g lipid	0.017
3,3′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 77)	ng/g lipid	0.013
2,2’,3,4,4’-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 85)	ng/g lipid	0.026
2,2',4,4',5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 99)	ng/g lipid	0.020
2,2',4,4',6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 100)	ng/g lipid	0.011
2,3′,4,4′,6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 119)	ng/g lipid	0.016
3,3′,4,4′,5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 126)	ng/g lipid	0.019
2,2′,3,4,4′,5′-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 138)	ng/g lipid	0.13
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 153)	ng/g lipid	0.12
2,2’,4,4’,5,6’-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 154)	ng/g lipid	0.079
2,3,3',4,5,6-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 160)	ng/g lipid	0.24
2,2′,3,4,4′,5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 181)	ng/g lipid	0.045
2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 183)	ng/g lipid	0.032
2,3,3',4,4',5,6-Heptabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 190)	ng/g lipid	0.064
2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6-Octabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 205)	ng/g lipid	0.075
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209)	ng/g lipid	0.11
Polychlorinated biphenyls
2,2',5-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 18)	ng/g lipid	0.34
2,4,4'-Trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 28)	ng/g lipid	0.25
2,2',4,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 49)	ng/g lipid	0.10
2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 52)	ng/g lipid	0.099
2,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 66)	ng/g lipid	0.095
2,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 74)	ng/g lipid	0.088
3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77)	pg/g lipid	1.0
3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81)	pg/g lipid	1.1
2,2',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 99)	ng/g lipid	0.087
2,2',4,5,5'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 101)	ng/g lipid	0.084
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105)	ng/g lipid	0.16
2,3,3’,4’,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 110)	ng/g lipid	0.034
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114)	ng/g lipid	0.11
2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118)	ng/g lipid	0.11
2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 123)	ng/g lipid	0.10
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)	pg/g lipid	1.2
2,2',3,3',4,4'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 128)	ng/g lipid	0.094
2,2',3,4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 138)	ng/g lipid	0.082
2,2',3,4,5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 141)	ng/g lipid	0.087
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153)	ng/g lipid	0.075
2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156)	ng/g lipid	0.070
2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 157)	ng/g lipid	0.076
2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 167)	ng/g lipid	0.061
3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169)	pg/g lipid	0.71
2,2',3,3',4,4',5-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 170)	ng/g lipid	0.095
2,2',3,3',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 178)	ng/g lipid	0.080
2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180)	ng/g lipid	0.090
2,2',3,4,4',5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 183)	ng/g lipid	0.072
2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 187)	ng/g lipid	0.073
2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 189)	ng/g lipid	0.084
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 194)	ng/g lipid	0.048
2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 195)	ng/g lipid	0.071
2,2',3,3',4,5',6,6'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 201)	ng/g lipid	0.049
2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 203)	ng/g lipid	0.047
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6-Nonachlorobiphenyl (PCB 206)	ng/g lipid	0.022
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decachlorobiphenyl (PCB 209)	ng/g lipid	0.012
Organochlorine pesticides
Hexachlorobenzene	ng/g lipid	0.024
Mirex	ng/g lipid	0.026
Organochlorine pesticides: Chlordane
trans-Nonachlor	ng/g lipid	0.031
Organochlorine pesticides: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)	ng/g lipid	0.23
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT)	ng/g lipid	2.3

Table A-2
Method limits of detection for environmental chemicals measured in pooled serum from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Chemical	Units	Cycle 3 (2012–2013)	Cycle 4 (2014–2015)	Cycle 5 (2016–2017)
Flame retardants
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)	ng/g lipid	0.24	0.24	0.38
Flame retardants: Hexabromocyclododecane
alpha-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCD)	ng/g lipid	0.37	0.37	0.37
beta-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCD)	ng/g lipid	0.24	0.24	0.24
gamma-Hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCD)	ng/g lipid	0.38	0.38	0.38
Organochlorine pesticides
Hexachlorobenzene	ng/g lipid	0.05	0.05	0.05
Organochlorine pesticides: Chlordane
trans-Nonachlor	ng/g lipid	0.19	0.19	0.19
Oxychlordane	ng/g lipid	0.75	0.75	0.75
Organochlorine pesticides: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
o,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (o,p'-DDE)	ng/g lipid	0.22	0.22	0.22
p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)	ng/g lipid	0.05	0.05	0.05
Organochlorine pesticides: Endosulfan
α-Endosulfan (Endosulfan I)	ng/g lipid	0.29	0.29	0.29
β-Endosulfan (Endosulfan II)	ng/g lipid	1.0	1.0	1.0

Table A-3
Mean (minimum – maximum) sample limits of detection for environmental chemicals measured in pooled serum from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2017)
Chemical	Units	Cycle 3 2012–2013	Cycle 4 2014–2015	Cycle 5 2016–2017
Dioxins
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)	pg/g lipid	0.65 (0.025–3.6)	0.27 (0.068–1.5)	0.38 (0.11–0.75)
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD)	pg/g lipid	0.75 (0.050–12)	0.39 (0.077–2.5)	0.57 (0.18–1.7)
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	pg/g lipid	0.74 (0.19–2.1	0.39 (0.073–1.9)	0.49 (0.065–1.3)
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	pg/g lipid	0.86 (0.18–11)	0.40 (0.078–1.8)	0.49 (0.19–1.2)
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	pg/g lipid	0.79 (0.18–2.2)	0.38 (0.072–1.8)	0.49 (0.19–1.3)
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD)	pg/g lipid	0.53 (0.075–1.8)	0.26 (0.058–1.2)	0.43 (0.13–0.96)
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)	pg/g lipid	3.4 (0.22–130)	0.69 (0.14–3.1)	1.1 (0.41–2.5)
Furans
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.49 (0.046–1.7)	0.19 (0.046–0.85)	0.27 (0.077–0.62)
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.33 (0.046–0.81)	0.17 (0.037–0.86)	0.23 (0.079–0.63)
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.74 (0.075–15)	0.27 (0.055–1.2)	0.39 (0.1–1.4)
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.45 (0.10–2.3)	0.22 (0.038–0.90)	0.29 (0.092–1.2)
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.40 (0.083–1.3)	0.19 (0.034–0.79)	0.34 (0.084–4.2)
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.57 (0.11–1.6)	0.37 (0.067–1.7)	0.44 (0.13–1.2)
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.41 (0.10–1.1)	0.25 (0.045–1.1)	0.34 (0.11–1.1)
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.42 (0.077–1.4)	0.24 (0.037–1.2)	0.32 (0.11–0.92)
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	pg/g lipid	0.60 (0.092–1.8)	0.39 (0.072–1.9)	0.53 (0.16–1.5)
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF)	pg/g lipid	3.4 (0.15–160)	0.40 (0.061–1.9)	0.95 (0.17–3.7)
Flame retardants: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 47)	ng/g lipid	0.058 (0.026–0.20)	0.022 (0.0031–0.050)	0.019 (0.007–0.058)
2,2',4,4',5-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 99)	ng/g lipid	0.12 (0.061–0.51)	0.10 (0.0077–0.34)	0.076 (0.025–0.24)
2,2',4,4',6-Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 100)	ng/g lipid	0.10 (0.044–0.22)	0.061 (0.0054–0.18)	0.096 (0.023–0.48)
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 153)	ng/g lipid	0.087 (0.015–0.25)	0.060 (0.0024–0.13)	0.088 (0.0048–1.5)
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209)	ng/g lipid	0.20 (0.039–0.90)	0.44 (0.0080–1.9)	0.15 (0.035–1.6)
Polychlorinated biphenyls
2,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 74)	ng/g lipid	0.053 (0.0070–1.6)	0.039 (0.0085–0.17)	0.02 (0.01–0.04)
3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77)	pg/g lipid	2.6 (0.52–10)	0.92 (0.076–4.6)	1.1 (0.3–4.1)
3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81)	pg/g lipid	3.3 (0.63–14)	1.3 (0.064–5.6)	1.3 (0.31–5.7)
2,2',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 99)	ng/g lipid	0.075 (0.014–0.30)	0.097 (0.017–0.84)	0.046 (0.018–0.22)
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105)	ng/g lipid	0.11 (0.014–0.56)	0.10 (0.017–0.48)	0.056 (0.026–0.21)
2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114)	ng/g lipid	0.099 (0.013–1.1)	0.086 (0.017–0.34)	0.047 (0.023–0.1)
2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118)	ng/g lipid	0.16 (0.012–5.5)	0.076 (0.015–0.33)	0.042 (0.023–0.13)
2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 123)	ng/g lipid	0.22 (0.011–9.1)	0.092 (0.015–0.36)	0.041 (0.019–0.12)
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)	pg/g lipid	1.4 (0.14–7.4)	0.94 (0.13–3.7)	2.1 (0.4–8.7)
2,2',3,4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 138)	ng/g lipid	0.15 (0.025–0.41)	0.15 (0.022–0.63)	0.077 (0.03–0.3)
2,2',3,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 146)	ng/g lipid	0.14 (0.024–0.36)	0.13 (0.020–0.56)	0.086 (0.028–0.28)
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153)	ng/g lipid	0.48 (0.021–24)	0.11 (0.019–0.54)	0.079 (0.025–0.28)
2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156)	ng/g lipid	0.20 (0.021–0.66)	0.13 (0.018–0.67)	0.078 (0.032–0.17)
2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 157)	ng/g lipid	0.19 (0.022–0.66)	0.13 (0.018–0.32)	0.08 (0.031–0.23)
2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 167)	ng/g lipid	0.10 (0.019–0.31)	0.11 (0.015–0.59)	0.066 (0.027–0.16)
3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169)	pg/g lipid	1.1 (0.077–4.1)	0.61 (0.10–2.3)	1.5 (0.22–6.9)
2,2',3,3',4,4',5-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 170)	ng/g lipid	0.15 (0.016–0.48)	0.12 (0.016–0.57)	0.064 (0.02–0.18)
2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180)	ng/g lipid	0.10 (0.013–0.31)	0.089 (0.012–0.39)	0.061 (0.021–0.17)
2,2',3,4',5,5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 187)	ng/g lipid	0.11 (0.016–0.31)	0.11 (0.014–0.44)	0.063 (0.014–0.21)
2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 189)	ng/g lipid	0.26 (0.021–1.0)	0.76 (0.014–25)	0.056 (0.017–0.12)
2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-Octachlorobiphenyl (PCB 194)	ng/g lipid	0.19 (0.036–0.99)	0.15 (0.011–0.68)	0.029 (0.0093–0.069)

References

Rawn, D.K.F., Ryan, J.J., Sadler, A.R., Sun, W.-F., Haines, D., Macey, K., van Oostdam, J. (2012). PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in sera from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) from 2007 to 2009. Environment International, 47, 48–55.

Appendix B: Toxic equivalence values for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins) and other related compounds, including polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are a group of structurally related chlorinated organic chemicals. Humans can be exposed to these persistent organic pollutants through the environment and food (ATSDR, 1994; ATSDR, 1998; ATSDR, 2000). Exposures usually involve mixtures of individual dioxin, furan and dioxin-like PCB congeners. The toxic and biological effects of these compounds are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) (Van den Berg et al., 2006). More information is available in sections 7.1 (dioxins and furans) and 10.1 (PCBs), including details on sources, health effects and regulations.

Due to the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in complex mixtures and their similar mechanism of toxicity, it is valuable to be able to determine the cumulative toxicity of exposure to multiple congeners. The toxic equivalency concept was developed in the 1980s to address this (Van den Berg et al., 2006). This approach assigns a toxic equivalency factor (TEF) from 0–1 to each of the congeners of toxicological concern. Based on chemical structure and information from toxicology studies, the TEF value scales the toxicity of each dioxin or dioxin-like compound relative to the toxicity of the reference compound, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) (EPA, 2010; Van den Berg et al., 2006). The reference compound has been well studied toxicologically, is the most toxic form of dioxin and has a TEF value of 1. A TEF can be assigned to a dioxin-like chemical that has a similar structure to dioxins and furans, is known to be persistent and accumulate in the food chain and has the capacity to elicit a biological and toxicological response via binding to the AhR (Van den Berg et al., 2006). The application of TEFs is based on the concept of dose addition, which assumes that these chemicals will have similar toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic behaviours, including a similar shape of the dose–response curve.

Multiplying the measured concentration of an individual congener by its specific TEF allows the expression of each chemical dose in terms of its toxicity equivalence to 2,3,7,8-TCDD (EPA, 2010). These products can then be summed to give a unique value called the total toxic equivalent (TEQ), which is an estimate of the total 2,3,7,8-TCDD-like activity of a mixture of dioxin-like compounds (ATSDR, 1998; EPA, 2010; Van den Berg et al., 2006).

The first set of TEF values was developed in 1994. These were subsequently re-evaluated, and an updated set of TEF values was published in 1998 (EPA, 2010; Van den Berg, 1998). In 2005, a World Health Organization expert panel updated the values again, leading to the most recent set of TEF values listed in Table B-1 (Van den Berg et al., 2006).

Table B-1
Summary of World Health Organization toxic equivalency factor (TEF) values for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Group	Chemical	WHO 2005 TEF
Dioxins and furans
Dioxins	2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)	1
	1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD)	1
	1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	0.1
	1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	0.1
	1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD)	0.1
	1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD)	0.01
	1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)	0.0003
Furans	2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF)	0.1
	1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	0.03
	2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF)	0.3
	1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	0.1
	1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	0.1
	1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	0.1
	2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF)	0.1
	1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	0.01
	1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF)	0.01
	1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-Octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF)	0.0003
Dioxin-like PCBs
Non-ortho substituted PCBs	3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77)	0.0001
	3,4,4',5-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81)	0.0003
	3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)	0.1
	3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169)	0.03
Mono-ortho substituted PCBs	2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 105)	0.00003
	2,3,3',4,4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114)	0.00003
	2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118)	0.00003
	2',3,4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 123)	0.00003
	2,3,3',4,4',5-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156)	0.00003
	2,3,3',4,4',5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 157)	0.00003
	2,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 167)	0.00003
	2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’-Heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 189)	0.00003

Dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs have been measured in individual blood or pooled serum samples from a range of regional and national biomonitoring studies in Canada (AFN, 2013; Alberta Health and Wellness, 2008; Fisher et al., 2016; Health Canada, 2010; Laird et al., 2013; Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2019). For most of these studies, TEQs have not been produced. However, Rawn et al. (2012) published TEQs based upon pooled serum data from Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) cycle 1 (2007–2009). These previously published results were generated using a different statistical approach. As a result, they are not directly comparable with the data presented in this report.

The dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs listed in Table B-1 were analyzed in pooled serum samples of CHMS participants aged 6–79 in cycle 1 and aged 3–79 in cycle 3 (2012–2013), 4 (2014–2015) and 5 (2016–2017). WHO 2005 TEF values were applied to these data to derive the TEQ values presented as pg TEQ/g lipid in Tables B-2 to B-8. These tables present TEQ values derived for the sum of dioxins; the sum of furans; the sum of dioxins and furans; the sum of mono-ortho PCBs; the sum of non-ortho PCBs; the sum of dioxin-like PCBs; and the sum of dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs.

The data tables include the number of pools, minimum and maximum concentrations, the weighted arithmetic mean concentrations, and the coefficients of variation associated with the arithmetic means. TEQs are calculated for each pool, and the results are presented for the total population as well as by sex and age group. Measurements for individual compounds that fell below the LOD for the laboratory analytical method were assigned a value equal to half the LOD. In addition, pools with missing data due to sample loss were assigned a value equal to the weighted mean of available results for the age/sex group that the missing pool represented. These imputed values were used to calculate the TEQs. As imputation impacts variance estimation, additional caution should be exercised when interpreting the CV for TEQs derived based upon imputed data.

Table B-2
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for dioxins — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.42	16	5.3	18
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.43	15	6.5	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	1.3	12	4.7	0
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	1.6	17	7.0	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.42	16	5.4	19
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.43	15	6.7	18
5 (2016–2017)	61	1.3	12	4.7	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	2.5	17	6.8	10
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.42	16	6.6	31
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.43	15	6.4	16
5 (2016–2017)	31	1.3	12	4.4	1
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	1.6	13	7.2	4
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.83	15	4.2	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.99	13	6.9	19
5 (2016–2017)	30	1.4	10	5.0	4
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	1.9	7.7	2.8	17
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.4	4.8	3.2	36
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.1	5.8	3.7	42
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.6	6.1	4.5	2
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.42	4.1	2.1	6
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.43	7.4	2.4	33
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.4	8.0	3.3	38
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.5	5.7	3.8	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.2	14	2.7	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.2	4.8	2.9	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.3	4.9	2.5	27
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	4.1	6.4	5.5	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.9	16	5.4	52
4 (2014–2015)	13	3.0	9.6	4.4	24
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.4	6.1	2.7	17
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	7.1	12	8.1	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.7	13	5.2	13
4 (2014–2015)	12	5.2	12	8.5	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.4	6.6	4.7	7
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	3.5	17	11	22
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.2	15	8.6	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	6.1	15	11	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	7.1	12	9.1	2
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for dioxin congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-2 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-2 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table B-3
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for furans — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.28	5.8	2.1	12
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.60	8.0	3.6	20
5 (2016–2017)	67	1.6	4.6	2.9	5
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.37	4.1	2.1	17
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.37	5.8	2.1	11
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.60	8.0	3.7	20
5 (2016–2017)	61	1.6	4.6	2.9	5
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.87	3.6	2.0	13
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.37	5.3	2.0	17
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.60	5.4	3.5	16
5 (2016–2017)	31	1.6	3.7	2.6	2
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.37	4.1	2.3	21
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.48	5.8	2.3	6
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.89	8.0	3.8	24
5 (2016–2017)	30	1.6	4.6	3.2	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.28	2.9	1.6	45
4 (2014–2015)	6	1.9	4.3	2.5	19
5 (2016–2017)	6	2.6	3.4	2.8	6
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.37	2.9	1.4	8
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.48	2.5	1.5	38
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.60	4.6	2.2	12
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.9	4.6	2.8	13
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	1.1	2.3	1.5	9
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.37	5.8	1.4	30
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.0	3.6	2.5	3
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.6	3.6	2.7	5
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.80	4.1	2.2	33
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.77	5.3	1.2	24
4 (2014–2015)	13	1.7	4.4	2.9	35
5 (2016–2017)	13	1.8	3.9	2.6	5
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	1.7	3.1	2.5	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.2	3.7	2.5	17
4 (2014–2015)	12	2.7	8.0	4.7	26
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.7	3.6	2.6	9
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.69	3.6	2.2	46
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.0	4.4	3.6	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.3	4.9	4.3	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.1	4.3	3.6	3
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for furan congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-3 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-3 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table B-4
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for dioxins and furans — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.3	20	7.4	17
4 (2014–2015)	67	1.4	20	10	19
5 (2016–2017)	67	2.9	15	7.5	1
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	2.0	20	9.0	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.3	20	7.6	17
4 (2014–2015)	61	1.4	20	10	18
5 (2016–2017)	61	2.9	15	7.5	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	3.8	20	8.8	12
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.3	18	8.6	28
4 (2014–2015)	31	1.4	19	10	16
5 (2016–2017)	31	2.9	15	6.9	1
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	2.0	15	9.3	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	2.0	20	6.5	3
4 (2014–2015)	30	1.9	20	11	21
5 (2016–2017)	30	3.4	14	8.2	0
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	2.3	11	4.4	4
4 (2014–2015)	6	3.4	9.2	5.7	30
5 (2016–2017)	6	4.9	8.6	6.5	21
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.0	8.3	5.9	4
3 (2012–2013)	11	1.3	5.0	3.7	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.4	10	4.5	23
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.4	13	6.1	27
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	3.8	8.0	5.2	10
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.6	20	4.1	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.5	6.9	5.4	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	2.9	8.0	5.2	16
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	5.2	10	7.6	13
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.0	18	6.7	48
4 (2014–2015)	13	4.7	14	7.3	28
5 (2016–2017)	13	3.4	10	5.4	6
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	9.5	14	10	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.5	16	7.7	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	8.1	20	13	27
5 (2016–2017)	12	5.1	9.9	7.3	8
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	4.4	20	13	26
3 (2012–2013)	12	6.2	19	12	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	10	19	15	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	11	15	13	2
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for dioxin and furan congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-4 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-4 footnote a Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table B-5
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for mono-ortho substituted polychlorinated biphenyls — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.057	0.71	0.26	3
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.053	0.88	0.25	9
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.041	0.77	0.23	1
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.093	1.1	0.37	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.057	0.71	0.27	3
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.053	0.88	0.26	8
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.041	0.77	0.23	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.10	1.1	0.38	0
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.070	0.71	0.28	6
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.053	0.88	0.28	19
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.041	0.77	0.26	8
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.093	0.96	0.35	10
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.057	0.55	0.25	0
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.068	0.59	0.24	3
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.072	0.46	0.20	7
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.12	0.23	0.14	1
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.10	0.20	0.15	18
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.12	0.31	0.15	19
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.12	0.38	0.17	0
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.057	0.40	0.17	40
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.073	0.17	0.11	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.084	0.14	0.12	9
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.093	0.16	0.11	5
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.070	0.15	0.10	5
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.053	0.16	0.093	14
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.081	0.14	0.10	9
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.16	0.90	0.20	4
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.092	0.21	0.15	4
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.077	0.18	0.11	20
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.041	0.14	0.11	11
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	0.29	0.54	0.43	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.20	0.37	0.29	1
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.19	0.59	0.30	11
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.12	0.39	0.24	0
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.60	1.1	0.80	6
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.39	0.71	0.54	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.43	0.88	0.54	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.32	0.77	0.48	3
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for mono-ortho substituted PCB congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-5 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-5 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table B-6
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for non-ortho substituted polychlorinated biphenyls — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.0086	3.1	1.1	17
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.010	3.7	1.4	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.10	3.7	1.0	14
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.15	4.8	1.7	5
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.0086	3.1	1.1	19
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.010	3.7	1.5	19
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.10	3.7	1.0	14
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.35	4.8	1.7	11
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.0086	3.1	1.0	16
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.010	3.7	1.5	23
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.10	3.7	1.2	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.15	3.7	1.7	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.011	3.0	1.3	22
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.16	2.7	1.4	14
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.12	2.1	0.81	27
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.21	1.3	0.72	53
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.43	1.5	1.2	16
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.16	1.6	0.86	41
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.15	0.91	0.61	6
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.0086	0.57	0.063	4
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.010	0.93	0.42	8
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.16	3.6	0.88	21
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.35	0.87	0.57	19
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.071	0.88	0.16	15
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.15	0.78	0.51	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.18	3.7	0.72	61
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.73	3.7	1.2	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.081	1.3	0.45	64
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.61	2.7	0.88	26
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.10	0.93	0.61	37
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	1.7	2.7	2.1	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.69	2.2	1.6	21
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.0	3.1	1.8	28
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.23	1.5	0.88	12
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	0.75	4.8	3.0	21
3 (2012–2013)	12	1.8	3.1	2.4	10
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.3	3.7	2.6	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.2	2.5	2.0	2
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for non-ortho substituted PCB congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-6 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-6 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table B-7
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for polychlorinated biphenyls — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	0.095	3.5	1.4	14
4 (2014–2015)	67	0.11	4.6	1.7	16
5 (2016–2017)	67	0.14	3.9	1.2	12
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	0.32	5.9	2.1	3
3 (2012–2013)	59	0.095	3.5	1.4	15
4 (2014–2015)	61	0.11	4.6	1.7	17
5 (2016–2017)	61	0.14	3.9	1.2	12
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	0.45	5.9	2.1	9
3 (2012–2013)	29	0.095	3.5	1.3	11
4 (2014–2015)	31	0.11	4.6	1.8	22
5 (2016–2017)	31	0.14	3.9	1.5	3
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	0.32	4.5	2.0	3
3 (2012–2013)	30	0.11	3.5	1.5	19
4 (2014–2015)	30	0.28	3.1	1.6	11
5 (2016–2017)	30	0.22	2.5	1.0	23
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	0.40	1.4	0.84	44
4 (2014–2015)	6	0.63	1.6	1.3	11
5 (2016–2017)	6	0.29	1.7	1.0	32
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.32	1.2	0.78	5
3 (2012–2013)	11	0.095	0.66	0.23	29
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.11	1.1	0.54	6
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.28	3.7	1.0	21
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	0.45	1.0	0.68	17
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.17	0.96	0.27	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	0.23	0.94	0.60	2
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.27	3.9	0.82	53
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	0.90	4.5	1.4	2
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.21	1.5	0.60	48
4 (2014–2015)	13	0.69	2.8	1.0	26
5 (2016–2017)	13	0.14	1.1	0.72	33
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	2.1	3.0	2.5	1
3 (2012–2013)	12	0.90	2.4	1.9	18
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.2	3.6	2.1	26
5 (2016–2017)	12	0.40	1.7	1.1	12
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	1.5	5.9	3.8	14
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.2	3.5	2.9	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.9	4.6	3.1	4
5 (2016–2017)	12	1.5	3.3	2.5	1
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for PCB congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-7 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-7 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

Table B-8
Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls — Arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum TEF adjusted pooled serum concentrations (pg TEQ/g lipid) for the general population from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2017)
Cycle	Total Number of Pools^{Footnote a}	Minimum	Maximum	Arithmetic Mean	CV (%)^{Footnote b}
Total, 3–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	65	1.4	21	8.8	12
4 (2014–2015)	67	1.5	23	12	18
5 (2016–2017)	67	3.2	18	8.8	0
Total, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	59	2.3	25	11	6
3 (2012–2013)	59	1.4	21	9.0	12
4 (2014–2015)	61	1.5	23	12	18
5 (2016–2017)	61	3.2	18	8.8	1
Females, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	30	4.5	25	11	11
3 (2012–2013)	29	1.4	18	9.9	23
4 (2014–2015)	31	1.5	23	12	17
5 (2016–2017)	31	3.2	18	8.4	1
Males, 6–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	29	2.3	19	12	1
3 (2012–2013)	30	2.1	21	8.0	1
4 (2014–2015)	30	2.4	22	12	19
5 (2016–2017)	30	4.1	16	9.2	3
3–5 years
1 (2007–2009)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
3 (2012–2013)	6	2.8	11	5.2	11
4 (2014–2015)	6	4.7	11	7.0	23
5 (2016–2017)	6	6.1	9.7	7.5	14
6–11 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	2.3	9.4	6.6	3
3 (2012–2013)	11	1.4	5.5	3.9	20
4 (2014–2015)	12	1.5	11	5.1	21
5 (2016–2017)	12	4.1	13	7.1	26
12–19 years
1 (2007–2009)	10	4.5	8.6	5.9	7
3 (2012–2013)	12	2.4	20	4.4	19
4 (2014–2015)	12	3.8	7.7	6.0	1
5 (2016–2017)	12	3.2	9.6	6.0	20
20–39 years
1 (2007–2009)	13	6.1	12	9.1	12
3 (2012–2013)	12	3.2	18	7.2	39
4 (2014–2015)	13	5.4	16	8.3	28
5 (2016–2017)	13	4.0	10	6.1	9
40–59 years
1 (2007–2009)	14	12	17	13	3
3 (2012–2013)	12	4.7	18	9.6	9
4 (2014–2015)	12	9.9	22	15	26
5 (2016–2017)	12	6.7	10	8.3	5
60–79 years
1 (2007–2009)	12	5.9	25	17	24
3 (2012–2013)	12	8.4	21	15	8
4 (2014–2015)	12	12	23	18	0
5 (2016–2017)	12	13	18	15	1
NA: Data not available as participants under the age of six years were not included in cycle 1
Note: For each pool within a cycle, the TEQ for mono-ortho substituted PCB, non-ortho substituted PCB, dioxin and furan congeners is calculated. If the value of a congener is less than the limit of detection (LOD) or missing due to sample loss, then the imputed value is used. If all congeners are reported as less than the LOD and/or missing, then the TEQ will be derived from the imputed values.
Table B-8 footnote a Each pool was composed of serum from 71 to 133 individuals Return to Table footnote a referrer Table B-8 footnote b Coefficient of variation (CV): 0.0 ≤ CV < 16.6 acceptable; 16.6 ≤ CV ≤ 33.3 use with caution; CV > 33.3 use with a high degree of caution. See section 6.1.1 for more information on interpreting estimates based on their CV. Return to Table footnote b referrer

References

AFN (Assembly of First Nations) (2013). First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative: National results (2011). Assembly of First Nations, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved January 6, 2020.

Alberta Health and Wellness (2008). Chemicals in Serum of Pregnant Women in Alberta. Alberta Biomonitoring Program, Public Health Division, Edmonton, AB. Retrieved December 27, 2019.

EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) (2010). Recommended Toxicity Equivalence Factors (TEFs) for Human Health Risk Assessments of 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and Dioxin-Like Compounds. Washington, DC: Risk Assessment Forum. Retrieved December 13, 2019.

Laird, B.D., Goncharov, A.B., Chan, H.M. (2013). Body burden of metals and persistent organic pollutants among Inuit in the Canadian Arctic. Environment International, 59, 33–40.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (2019). Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina, SK. Retrieved January 8, 2020.

Van den Berg, M., Birnbaum, L.S., Denison, M., De Vito, M., Farland, W., Feeley, M., Fiedler, H., Hakansson, H., Hanberg, A., Haws, L. et al. (2006). The 2005 World Health Organization reevaluation of human and mammalian toxic equivalency factors for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Toxicological Sciences, 93(2), 223–241.

Van den Berg, M., Birnbaum, L., Bosveld, A.T., Brunstrom, B., Cook, P., Feeley, M., Giesy, J.P., Hanberg, A., Hasegawa, R., Kennedy, S.W., et al. (1998). Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for PCBs, PCDDs, PCDFs for humans and wildlife. Environmental Health Perspectives, 106, 775–792.

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Date modified:: 2023-01-24

Report on Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Pooled Samples

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

1 Introduction

References

2 Objectives

3 Pooling design and collection

3.1 Sample size and allocation

3.2 Blood collection

3.3 Pool formation and methodology

3.4 Variance estimation

3.5 Missing data

References

4 Laboratory analyses

4.1 Dioxins, furans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls

4.2 Flame retardants

4.2.1 Hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A

4.2.2 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers

4.3 Organochlorine pesticides

4.4 Polychlorinated biphenyls

4.5 Lipids

References

5 Statistical data analyses

6 Considerations for interpreting the pooled serum biomonitoring data

6.1 Considerations for data analysis

6.1.1 Instability of variance estimates

6.1.2 Variation between cycles

6.1.3 Comparability with individual data

6.1.4 Lipid adjustment

References

7 Summaries and results for dioxins and furans

7.1 Dioxins and furans

References

8 Summaries and results for flame retardants

8.1 Hexabromocyclododecane

References

8.2 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers

References

8.3 Tetrabromobisphenol A

References

9 Summaries and results for organochlorine pesticides

9.1 Chlordane

References

9.2 Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

References

9.3 Endosulfan

References

9.4 Hexachlorobenzene

References

9.5 Mirex

References

10 Summaries and results for polychlorinated biphenyls

10.1 Polychlorinated biphenyls

References

Appendix A: Limits of detection

References

Appendix B: Toxic equivalence values for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds

References

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