BERG M VAN DER (1988) Current research: Dioxins in Cormorants from the IJsselmeer area. LIMOSA 61 (2): 99-99.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo examined for the presence of chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans. Both groups of compounds exhibit a high degree of acute and chronic toxic-. nature, often a factor of 1000 higher than for PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). In addition, these compounds cause fetal malformations and death of the embryos in several species and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. It is assumed that concentrations the most toxic dioxins and dibenzofurans around the '100 nanograms (10-9 g) per kilogram of body weight (ng / kg) already could affect on the metabolism and reproduction. Dioxins and dibenzofurans are widespread in environment and these compounds are formed and in the production of PCBs, pesticides and combustion processes (inter alia incinerators). to So far, very few systematic studies to the occurrence of these compounds in animal species at the top of the food chain.

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