Effects of reducing DDT usage on total DDT storage in humans
Kutz, F.W.; Yobs, A.R.; Strassman, S.C.; Viar, J.F.
Pesticides Monitoring Journal 11(2): 61-63
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-6156 PMID: 600675 Document Number: 123302
Agricultural uses of the insecticide DDT were cancelled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency December 31, 1972. However, the domestic use of DDT had begun to decline before this action. Beginning July 1969, residues of DDT and its metabolites were measured in human adipose tissue collected through an annual national survey. Levels of total DDT equivalent residues in human adipose have decreased slightly, but the frequencies of finding DDT or its metabolites have remained high. The most marked decline in residue concentration has been found in the youngest age group (0-14 years). Approximately 80 percent of the total DDT equivalent found in this survey was DDE. These data show that the reduction of the agricultural uses of DDT has decreased human exposure to and storage of this chemical.