Health Risks of Environmental Exposure to PCDD/Fs near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Catalonia, Spain

In order to evaluate the environmental impact of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) located in Constantí (Spain), during the period 2010-2012, 30 vegetation and soil samples were alternatively (herbage in 2010 and 2012, and soils in 2011) collected in the surroundings of the facility, and their contents of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) determined. Data were compared with those of previous campaigns, and especially with PCDD/F levels in the same monitors reported in the baseline study (1998), when the facility was being constructed. In general terms, a continuous decrease of PCDD/Fs in soils was observed, while in herbage the results indicated an increase since 2008. Anyhow, the health risks associated to environmental exposure of PCDD/Fs are currently within acceptable ranges