[Environmental contamination with permanent organic pollutants and human health].

The hottest points of contamination of the environment with permanent organic pollutants, including dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) have been identified in Russia. These are located in different regions of the country where DDT, PCB, and other chlorine-containing compounds have been earlier manufactured. Despite discontinuance of their production, the environment and foodstuffs show the high levels of these substances. The world's highest content of dioxins in breast milk and blood is noted in the dwellers of Chapayevsk and Ufa. In these towns, there are changes in the population's health, which are typical of the action of permanent organic pollutants.