Pollutants Pack On Pounds

Despite restricted use in commercial agriculture, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) remain a public health concern because the general population is exposed via foods such as fish and meat from large animals with a high fat level.  Juan Pedro Arrebola, from the University of Granada (Spain), and colleagues analyzed the levels of POPs accumulated in adipose tissue (fat) in nearly 298 men and women admitted for surgical services in two hospitals in the province of Granada.  Data analysis confirmed a relationship between a person’s POP levels and his/her level of obesity. Subjects with more pollutants in their systems also display higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.  The study authors warn that: “Our results suggest a potential relationship between historical [persistent organic pollutants] exposure and serum lipids/obesity, whih followed a non-linear pattern in most cases.”