Contamination of agricultural products by halogenated biphenyls

Halogenated biphenyls have been produced commercially since 1930. These compounds have gradually accumulated in the environment and are now considered to be among the most ubiquitous pollutants in North America. It is known that halogenated biphenyls undergo biomagnification throughout the food chain, resulting in higher and higher concentrations at each trophic level. Experimenal work with these compounds has shown that they affect the health and reproductive abilities of many domestic animals as well as man. Since many feeds and foodstuffs may contain residues of halogenated biphenyls, these compounds present a potential health problem not only to domestic animals but man as well.