Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs In Tissues from Dutch Citizens (1968–1986)

Abstract

Adipose tissue, milk and blood from Dutch citizens have been investigated for the occurrence of organochlorine compounds since 1968. In this paper, median values for HCB, α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, β-Hepo (heptachlorepoxide), dieldrin, p.p′-DDE, o.p′-DDT, TDE and PCBs (first determined by the perchlorination method, later by a selection of individual congeners) are given. Time trends, influence of age and sex of the donors, changes in concentrations of milk during lactation, the possible effect of life-style, and statistical evaluation of the data collected over the past twenty years will be discussed.

PCBs and p.p′-DDE occur in the highest concentrations in all tissues investigated, followed by HCB and β-HCH. Especially the p.p′-DDT levels decreased dramatically over the years of the investigation. Blood/fat accumulation factors were derived; they decrease in the order PCBs?p.p′-DDE >β-HCH?HCB > β-Hepo?dieldrin > α-HCH?γ-HCH.