Organochlorine pesticides in human milk
Van Haver, W.; Vandezande, A.; Gordts, L.
Archives Belges de Medecine Sociale Hygiene Medecine du Travail et Medecine Legale. Belgisch Archief van Sociale Geneeskunde Hygiene Arbeidsgeneeskunde en Gerechtelijke Geneeskunde 35(5): 312-324
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9578 PMID: 603245 Document Number: 112747
Analysis of 67 samples of human milk (obtained during the period Nov. 1974-Feb. 1975) showed a decrease in the pesticide content compared with results of a previous investigation in 1971/72 (See DSA 37, 5599). Milk samples from 13 women living in the Strasbourg area had a total pesticide content of 1.47-6.00 p.p.m. (on a fat basis) during the 1st month of lactation, falling to 0.42-0.84 p.p.m. after the 5th month. Av. DDE + DDT content was 1.04 p.p.m. for 13 women in their 1st month of lactation, and 0.05 p.p.m. for 4 women lactating for >5 months. Corresponding av. values for other pesticides were: total BHC, 0.52 and 0.32 p.p.m; heptachlor epoxide, 0.80 and 0.32 p.p.m; and dieldrin, 0.035 and 0.011 p.p.m. Occasional unexplained high levels of heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin in human milk were noted.