Results of sampling conducted in 2013 - 2016 in Central Kazakhstan and the Mangystau Region for contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Eggs have been found to be sensitive indicators of POP contamination in soils or dust and are an important exposure pathway from soil pollution to humans, and eggs from contaminated areas can readily lead to exposures which exceed thresholds for the protection of human health. Chickens and eggs might therefore be ideal “active samplers” and indicator species for evaluation of the level of contamination of sampled areas by POPs, particularly dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and PCBs.
