112
C. Picot et al.
(Burger et al. 1998; Gagnon et al. 2004; Leblanc 2006; Picot et al. 2011b). Therefore
it is critical to assess their exposure to phycotoxins via shellfish consumption.
For that, the estimated individual phycotoxin concentrations in shellfish has to be
combined with available consumption data (Kroes et al. 2002; WHO 1985). Thus,
getting actual levels of phycotoxins in shellfish is a prerequisite but such data are
missing because shellfish contamination is only analysed in cases of phytoplankton
blooms (Ifremer 2011). Obtaining shellfish consumption data from recreational
shellfish harvesters is also needed. These considerations led us to monitor monthly
phycotoxins in shellfish and to conduct a 1-year survey of shellfish consumption by
heavy consumers from the same area, i.e. recreational shellfish harvesters. In this
study, the assessments were of three phycotoxins of interest to humans: Domoic
Acid and analogues (DAs), Okadaic Acid and analogues (OAs) and Spirolides
(SPXs). Our investigations were aimed at carrying out a probabilistic exposure
assessment and comparing dietary phycotoxin intakes with toxicological reference
doses to determine whether phycotoxin exposure is a matter of concern for human
health or not. Acute and chronic exposures were assessed in both approaches.
Material and Methods
Input Data
Shellfish Consumption Data
The population studied was a group of recreational shellfish harvesters living
along the coasts of Finist` ere (Western Brittany, France). Shellfish consumption was
investigated from February 2008 to February 2009 through two complementary
methods: a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a food diary. The FFQ was
conducted through face-to-face interviews at the harvesting sites. As this tool
provides long-term consumption data, but relied upon memory. This drawback
was counteracted by using the records versus time of each shellfish meal (with
quantities) kept in the food diary. The food diary gave additional information such
as the origin of consumed shellfish (harvest, shop, restaurant : : : ), consumption by
different household members and the way shellfish had been prepared. Data were
validated for bivalve and gastropod groups (for more details, see Picot et al. 2011b).
Consumption data included five of the most heavily consumed bivalves expressed
as frequency, portion size and daily shellfish consumption rates both with the mean
and 95th percentile (P95 see Table 10.1).
C. Picot et al.
(Burger et al. 1998; Gagnon et al. 2004; Leblanc 2006; Picot et al. 2011b). Therefore
it is critical to assess their exposure to phycotoxins via shellfish consumption.
For that, the estimated individual phycotoxin concentrations in shellfish has to be
combined with available consumption data (Kroes et al. 2002; WHO 1985). Thus,
getting actual levels of phycotoxins in shellfish is a prerequisite but such data are
missing because shellfish contamination is only analysed in cases of phytoplankton
blooms (Ifremer 2011). Obtaining shellfish consumption data from recreational
shellfish harvesters is also needed. These considerations led us to monitor monthly
phycotoxins in shellfish and to conduct a 1-year survey of shellfish consumption by
heavy consumers from the same area, i.e. recreational shellfish harvesters. In this
study, the assessments were of three phycotoxins of interest to humans: Domoic
Acid and analogues (DAs), Okadaic Acid and analogues (OAs) and Spirolides
(SPXs). Our investigations were aimed at carrying out a probabilistic exposure
assessment and comparing dietary phycotoxin intakes with toxicological reference
doses to determine whether phycotoxin exposure is a matter of concern for human
health or not. Acute and chronic exposures were assessed in both approaches.
Material and Methods
Input Data
Shellfish Consumption Data
The population studied was a group of recreational shellfish harvesters living
along the coasts of Finist` ere (Western Brittany, France). Shellfish consumption was
investigated from February 2008 to February 2009 through two complementary
methods: a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a food diary. The FFQ was
conducted through face-to-face interviews at the harvesting sites. As this tool
provides long-term consumption data, but relied upon memory. This drawback
was counteracted by using the records versus time of each shellfish meal (with
quantities) kept in the food diary. The food diary gave additional information such
as the origin of consumed shellfish (harvest, shop, restaurant : : : ), consumption by
different household members and the way shellfish had been prepared. Data were
validated for bivalve and gastropod groups (for more details, see Picot et al. 2011b).
Consumption data included five of the most heavily consumed bivalves expressed
as frequency, portion size and daily shellfish consumption rates both with the mean
and 95th percentile (P95 see Table 10.1).