•    Development of trace-analysis methods for monitoring levels of existing and new POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) in food/feed products, the environment and humans (blood and breast milk). The analytical methods combine sample preparation protocol and mass-spectrometry quantification.  Specific and sensitive methods for dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (screening method by GC-MS/MS and confirmatory method by High Resolution GC-MS) and for perfluorinated compounds by LC-MS/MS have been developed, tested and accredited in various matrices.


Human exposure assessment and public health issues related to POPs

•    Exposure to POPs belonging to the group of dioxins and perfluorinated compounds and public health issues. Identification of exposure routes, quantification of human levels and creation of National Reference Database (levels in blood, breast milk etc) for the Greek population. Correlation with observed health outcomes.

•    Risk assessment of infant dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Examination of the contribution of breast feeding, formula milk and solid food to total dietary exposure during the first year of life, based on the results of 10 years of national programs for the control of dioxins in food.

•    Risk assessment of dietary intake of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds through consumption of Greek farmed fish and evaluation of the safety of Greek farmed fish for public health, based on the results of 10 years of national programs and collaboration with major Greek aquaculture facilities.

•    Professionally related exposure to POPs. Study of the levels of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in the blood of workers exposed to transformer oil, fire extinction in electro-mechanical installations.


Environmental problems related to POPs

•    Investigation of the consequences of forest or landfill fires on the environment and agricultural/animal farming products. Extensive study of dioxin contamination of food products, of environmental pollution with POPs, and preparation of a strategic plan for the management of such cases and application for the protection of public health.

•    Environmental problems related to dioxins and dioxin-like toxic compounds in industrial zones. Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in soil and food products from the local production.