HCH and DDT residues in human placentas in Murcia (Spain)

• Published in: Toxicology (Amsterdam) Vol. 195; no. 2; pp. 203 - 208
• Main Authors: Falcón, M, Oliva, J, Osuna, E, Barba, A, Luna, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 15-02-2004; Amsterdam Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; DDT - analysis; Environmental Exposure - analysis; Female; Fetus; Hexachlorocyclohexane - analysis; Humans; Insecticides; Insecticides - analysis; Medical sciences; Organochlorine; Pesticide Residues - analysis; Pesticides, fertilizers and other agrochemicals toxicology; Placenta; Placenta - chemistry; Pregnancy; Spain; Toxicology; Europe; Spain; Insecticides; Fetus; Placenta; Organochlorine; Human; Insecticide; Rate; Pesticides; HCH; Epidemiology; Pregnancy; DDT; Residue; Public health
• ISSN: 0300-483X; 1879-3185
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2003.10.009

Organochlorinated insecticides are ubiquitous toxicants that are transplacentally transferred from mother to fetus and are reported to produce adverse health effects in pregnant woman and neonates. To investigate hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) exposure in pregnant woman, a total of 102 placentas were analyzed by a gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector. Organochlorine residues were found in 69.6% of the samples. Lindane was detected in 24.5%, α-HCH in 2.9%, β-HCH in 6.9%,
p,
p′-DDE in 44.1%,
p,
p′-DDT in 14.7% and
p,
p′-DDD in 10.8% of the samples. The pattern of dispersal by these substances in Murcia is similar to that described by different authors in other countries. Therefore, the past use of DDT and the present employment of lindane seem to be reflected in body tissues of the residents of this area.