Conclusions. The present study shows that the median intakes of WHO-TEQs of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs and p,p´-DDE among Swedish mothers are well below the tolerable intake levels established by SCF and JECFA. However, in this study, 14% of the mothers had an intake of dioxin and dioxin-like PCB WHO-TEQ that was higher than the TDI and 27% of these mothers consumed more Baltic fish than the current dietary advice issued by the NFA. Highly exposed individuals were generally characterized by a high consumption of fish and dairy products. No regional differences in intake of dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs, PCB 153 or p,p´-DDE were found in this study, although consumption patterns of certain foodstuffs differed. This intake calculation supports the results from the previous report about regional differences in breast milk concentrations of POPs, since no marked differences were seen in the intake of total- TEQ, PCB 153 or p,p´-DDE. No correlations between the calculated intakes of PCB 153 and p,p´-DDE and the levels in breast milk could be established. One possible explanation to these findings is that breast milk levels reflect the long-term exposure whereas the intake levels represent recent exposure.
Conclusions. We found statistically significant differences in breast milk levels of PCB, chlorinated pesticides/metabolites, PBDEs and HBCD between the four regions studied (Lund, Göteborg, Uppsala, Lycksele) after adjustment of the results with personal characteristics that could influence breast milk levels. The differences in levels were, however, not large, indicating similar long-term exposure levels of organohalogenated persistent compounds among pregnant and nursing primipara women from different areas of Sweden. Due to the complexity of the study and the wealth of data, further analyses will be performed on the collected data set. However, these analyses will not likely change the overall conclusions given above.
Conclusions. In conclusion, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of using sand beds as a conservation effort for ground-nesting bees in the city park Slottsskogen. Despite not finding a significant amount of bees within the sand beds compared to control areas, they were proven to provide a habitat for other insects of the order Hymenoptera as this group showed a significant effect within the sand beds. However, the Slottsskogen management should not worry. Establishment of ground-nesting bees can take time; it is therefore important to continue to take care of the sand beds and monitor them during the upcoming years. Since a lot of important floral species that many wild bees depend on were found in the proximity of the sand beds, there is great chances of bees finding their way to the sand beds and to establish populations. In addition, there is still a lot to be discovered in the research field of ground-nesting bees as this subject has been vastly understudied and big knowledge gaps exist. It is therefore suggested to investigate further on a more detailed level which soil properties and materials the bees depend on; if different slopes are preferable; prolonging the inventory rounds to begin earlier in the spring to have the chance of catching early spring active bees; and investigate which collection method is the most appropriate. Future management strategies need to be implemented for the sand beds as to ensure open and vegetation-free surfaces. In addition to managing the sand beds, planting more flowers in the proximity of the sand beds will be a good conservation effort. When more knowledge gaps are being filled, conservation efforts can have even greater effects with helping this important group of insects increase in number. Wild bees provide crucial pollination services that we all depend upon for secure food stability. Therefore, conservation efforts need to be optimized in order to maintain a broad biodiversity and for a future to look forward to.
Conclusions. In view of the fact that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme appears not to qualify for any of the exceptions provided for in the EEA Agreement, the Authority doubts that the Unpaid R&D Labour Scheme may be considered compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.