Global footprints of organochlorine pesticides: a pan-global survey

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants widely used all over the world. These chlorinated hydrocarbons are toxic and often cause detrimental health effects because of their long shelf life and bioaccumulation in the adipose tissues of primates. OCP exposure to humans occurs through skin, inhalation and contaminated foods including milk and dairy products, whereas developing fetus and neonates are exposed through placental transfer and lactation, respectively. In 1960s, OCPs were banned in most developed countries, but because they are cheap and easily available, they are still widely used in most third world countries. The overuse or misuse of OCPs has been rising continuously which pose threats to environmental and human health. This review reports the comparative occurrence of OCPs in human and bovine milk samples around the globe and portrays the negative impacts encountered through the long history of OCP use.