The National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS) is an on-going annual program to collect and chemically analyze adipose tissue specimens from a representative national sample of autopsied cadavers and surgical patients. The objective of the program is to estimate baseline levels and time trends for the presence of toxic chemicals in the adipose tissue of the U.S. population. This report presents the results of a statistical analysis conducted on three specific chemicals: Beta-benzene hexachloride (beta-BHC), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The results are based on NHATS data collected between 1970 and 1983. The results include baseline estimates of the percentages of the population having detectable levels of these compounds in their adipose tissue as well as estimates of the mean and median levels. Estimates are given separately for various demographic groups and geographic regions of the country as well as national estimates. Results of the analysis indicate that nearly 100 percent of the population have detectable levels of these compounds in their adipose tissue. However, the actual levels of these compounds are either decreasing or remaining nearly constant.

"Prepared for Design and Development Branch, Field Studies Branch, Exposure Evaluation Division, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency." "EPA 560/5-85-025." "September 30, 1985." "Contract no. 68-01-6721."