Chlorinated carbohydrate content of fetal and pediatric organs and tissues
Bosse, U.; Bannert, N.; Niessen, K.H.; Teufel, M.; Röse, I.
Zentralblatt für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin 198(4): 331-339
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0934-8859 PMID: 9376058 Document Number: 458917
Organic halogens are used as pesticides and in chemical industries. They are secreted with breast milk and accumulated in fat tissue of infants. Organic halogens can be found already in newborns. We analysed polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and heptachlor in subcutaneous fat tissue and other tissues (placenta, liver, kidney, lung, brain, thymus, muscle, heart) of 34 fetuses and dead children. These substances were found regularly in placenta, in fetal subcutaneous fat tissue and in fetal organs. They therefore can influence possibly early and sensitive stages of intrauterine development. The average concentrations found in fetal fat tissue were: PCB 0.7 mg/kg fat tissue, DDT 0.7 mg/kg, HCH 0.14 mg/kg, and heptachlor 0.03 mg/kg.