Levels Of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Research Articles

Current status of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure among mothers and their babies of Korea-CHECK cohort study

Despite the global ban, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been a persistent and significant environmental health issue worldwide. Prenatal exposure to these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been identified as a major route of exposure among developing fetuses and newborn infants. Among Children's Health and Environmental Health of Korea (CHECK) cohort population, pregnant females (n=148) and their matching newborn infants (n=117) recruited from four cities of Korea in 2011 were investigated. The blood serum and cord blood serum were sampled at delivery, and measured for 19 OCPs and 19 PCBs. In addition, a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, and dietary habits were conducted. The most frequently detected POPs in both maternal blood and cord blood were p,p′-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE) (99% detection in maternal, and 98% in cord blood serum) and PCB153 (95% in maternal, 74% in cord blood serum). The levels of dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethanes (DDTs) in both maternal (average 82.5ng/g lw) and cord blood serum (average 77.5ng/g lw) were comparable to or greater than those reported in Japan about a decade ago. Approximately two thirds of the pregnant women and newborn infants showed the p,p′-DDE concentrations exceeding the biological equivalent (BE) corresponding to 10−6 excess cancer risk. In addition, less chlorinated PCBs were detected higher in both maternal and cord serum. Less chlorinated PCBs also showed greater transplacental ratio. Dairy consumption among the subjects was positively associated, and tea consumption was negatively associated with serum levels of several POPs. Our results show that the exposure to legacy POPs, especially DDTs, among pregnant women and newborn infants is still prevailing, thus warrants measures for exposure mitigation among these vulnerable populations.

Levels of Organochlorinated Pesticide Residues in Vegetables

ABSTRACTContamination of soil and crops with organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues is a public health problem. This study was conducted to assess residue levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachloro-cyclohexane (HCH), endosulfan, aldrin, and dieldrin in tissues of eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. GJB-3), potato (S. tuberosum L., cv. Kufri Chandramukhi), tomato (S. lycopersicum L., cv. Gujarat Tomato-2), onion (Allium cepa L., cv. Pusa White Round), beet (Beta vulgaris L., cv. Detroit dark red), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., cv. Pusa Bharati), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., cv. Pusa Ageti). Total concentrations of OCP residues ranged from 0.31 to 109.03 μg·kg−1 (wet weight). All samples had some contamination of 1, or more, OCP residues. Mean concentrations of ΣDDT, ΣHCH, Σendosulfan, Aldrin, and dieldrin over all vegetables were 27.01 ± 2.67, 23.13 ± 3.92, 9.97 ± 1.83, 1.43 ± 0.79, and 1.06 ± 0.37 μg·kg−1 (wet weight), respectively. The maximum OCP residue accumulation was in root vegetables, followed by leafy and fruit vegetables. Levels of OCP residues were below the recommended maximum residue limits set by the European Commission and Indian government except for levels for dieldrin, making the vegetables unsafe for human consumption.

Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane (DDT) and hexachlorohexane (HCH) pesticide residues in foodstuffs from markets in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) pesticide were evaluated in samples of cowpea grains and dried yam chips obtained from Ile-Ife markets, southwestern Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to establish the presence of the organochlorine pesticide residues in the foodstuffs and also to ascertain whether the residue levels are above their respective permissible levels. Randomly selected samples from highly patronized markets were subjected to standard extraction protocols. The DDT and HCH levels were determined using Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). The mean concentration of ϒ-HCH (Lindane) in cowpea grains was 0.085 mg/kg and 0.042 mg/kg in dried yam chips. The ρ,ρ’-DDD concentrations were 0.086 mg/kg and 0.159 mg/kg in cowpea and dried yam chips, respectively. ϒ-HCH detected in all the cowpea samples and 90% in dried yam chips samples were above the recommended EU maximum residue level (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg. The results of this study indicated that substances that could pose serious health risks were associated, at outrageous levels, with important foodstuffs in Nigerian markets even to the point of sales and consumption. Keywords : Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hexachlorocyclohexane, pesticide, residue, cowpea grain, yam chip.

Determination of pesticide residues in muscle of Cyprinus carpio from River Ravi

The levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, carbofuran, and cartap were determined in muscles of Cyprinus Carpio sampled from 10 different sites of River Ravi between Shahdara to Balloki Headworks to assess level of contamination of these pesticides by GC-ECD (gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector) method. All fish samples were found contaminated with different concentrations of DDT, DDE, endosulfan, and carbofuran. DDT and DDE concentrations were higher than maximum residue limits (MRL) in food standards, while endosulfan sulfate and cartap were not detected. These findings indicate that pesticide concentrations in fish muscles decreased in the order: DDT > DDE > carbofuran > endosulfan. Furthermore, the sampling sites after Degh fall and beyond Hudiara Nulla Fall river sampling sites were more polluted. It is proposed that constant monitoring programs are needed to assess potential exposure risks.

Assessment of pesticide residues in flesh of Catla catla from Ravi River, Pakistan.

The levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, carbofuran, and cartap which were estimated in the flesh of Catla catla sampled from ten sites of Ravi River between its stretches from Shahdara to Head Balloki were studied to know the level of contamination of the selected pesticides by GC-ECD method. All fish samples were found contaminated with different concentrations of DDT, DDE, endosulfan, and carbofuran; however, DDT and DDE concentrations were more than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) about food standards, while endosulfan sulfate and cartap were not detected. Pesticide concentrations in the fish flesh were ranged from 3.240 to 3.389 for DDT, 2.290 to 2.460 for DDE, 0.112 to 0.136 for endosulfan, and 0.260 to 0.370 μg g−1 for carbofuran. The findings revealed that the pesticide concentrations in the fish flesh decreased in the order: DDT > DDE > carbofuran > endosulfan. After Degh fall and After Hudiara nulla fall river sampling sites were found severely contaminated. It is proposed that a constant monitoring programs are needed to be initiated to overcome the present alarming situation.

DDT and DDE concentrations in the blood of Mexican children residing in the southeastern region of Mexico

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in the blood of children living in the southeastern region of Mexico. In this study, we found high levels of DDT and its principal metabolite (DDE) in the blood of children residing in the communities studied. The levels of total DDT found in our study ranged from 4,676.4 ng/g lipid to 64,245.2 ng/g lipid. All of the children in the study had detectable levels of DDT and/or DDE. In conclusion, our data indicate that children living within the study areas are exposed to high levels of DDT and DDE. Moreover, these results can be used as a trigger to revisit local policies on environmental exposures.

Evaluation of organochlorine contamination in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Pearl River Estuary, China

Organochlorine compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs), chlordanes (CHLs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were analyzed in blubber samples collected from fifteen Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded in the Pearl River Delta during the period from 2004 to 2009. In general, the magnitude of the mean concentrations is: ∑DDTs>∑PCBs>∑HCHs>∑CHLs>HCB. DDT levels found in this study were very high, with the ΣDDT ranging from 845 to 179000ng/g wet weight. Of particular importance is the fact that new inputs from diverse sources still exist in the Pearl River Delta. ∑PCBs ranged from 123 to 10,200ng/g wet weight. More studies are necessary for a better understanding of these organochlorine contaminants and their impact on the conservation of humpback dolphins residing in the Pearl River Estuary waters.

Levels of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its Metabolites in the Blood of Agrochemicals Retailers

Problem statement: In tropical countries like Nigeria, the storage, sales and handling of pesticide by agrochemical retailers in indoor stores located in open markets and residential areas were fraught with problem of undesirable side effect. Serum levels of 1, 1, 1-trichloro-2, 2-di (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and its metabolite were measured among agrochemicals retailers in Taraba, Nigeria. Approach: Blood samples from 50 retailers were taken and analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The retailers were group into five exposure duration based on their years of involvement in trade viz; 1-5 years, 6-10 years, 11-15 years, 16-20 years, ≥ 21 years. Results: Test detected 34 (50) retailers had residues of DDE, DDD, DDT and Aldrin in their blood. 68% of the retailers had DDE at mean concentration of 0.047 mg L-1, ranged from n.d-0.0721 mg L-1. 62% DDD (mean = 0.0101 mg L-1, range = n.d-0.034 mg L-1), 58% DDT (mean = 0.0120 mg L-1, ranged = n.d-0.1120 mg L-1) and 52% Aldrin (mean = 0.0045 mg L-1, ranged = 0.0100-0.0265 mg L-1), The total content DDT(sum of DDE, DDD and DDT ) in the whole blood samples was 0.062 mg L-1 and ranged from 0.0008-0.185 mg L-1. Dieldrin was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Conclusion: Despite the banned, the observed trend for all the DDTs and metabolites shows that retailers are occupationally exposed due to the sales and handling of agrochemicals in retailers’ stores. The need for stiff monitoring and enforcement by regulatory bodies is of paramount important.

Characterization, ecological and health risks of DDTs and HCHs in water from a large shallow Chinese lake

The levels of dichloro diphenyl trichloroethanes (DDTs) and hexachlorocyolohexanes (HCHs) in water from Lake Chaohu were measured. The residues, possible sources and potential ecological and health risks of these compounds were analyzed. The results show that the contents of total DDTs and HCHs in the water varied from 1.52 to 21.79 and from 1.58 to 31.66ngL−1, respectively, which were higher than those in other Chinese lakes. The main sources of HCHs and DDTs were lindane and technical DDT, respectively. The o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT ratios indicated the new illegal inputs of DDT in all studied inflow rivers and some lake areas. The MOS10 (margin of safety) values suggested that the Lake was facing a potential ecological risks from p,p′-DDT, whereas the risk of γ-HCH was small. Both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks of DDTs and HCHs associated with the water use were very low.

Organochlorine Residues in Vegetables

Vegetables are important components of the human diet, and even low levels of pesticides in vegetables may have adverse effects for consumers. A study was carried out to assess residue levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachloro-cyclohexane (HCH), and endosulfan in vegetables. The total concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) ranged from 0.29 to 106.65 μg.kg−1 (wet weight). All vegetable samples had some levels of one or more organochlorine pesticide in them. Mean concentrations of ∑DDT, ∑HCH, and ∑endosulfan in vegetables were 4.20 ± 1.68, 3.12 ± 0.66, and 0.97 ± 0.21 μg.kg−1 (wet weight), respectively. The greatest OCP accumulation was in root vegetables, followed by fruit and flower and leaf vegetables. The ratio of α-HCH to γ-HCH isomers (α/γ HCH ratio) ranged from 0.03 to 3.77, which reflects the use of lindane as well as technical formulations of HCH. The ratio of (DDE + DDD)/∑DDT, and DDT/DDE were 0.55 and 1.30, respectively, indicating biotransformation and input of DDT to the environment. Vegetables had residue levels of OCPs much below recommended maximum residue limits set by the European Commission and Indian government, indicating minimal risk to the consumers.

Anthropogenic nexus on organochlorine pesticide pollution: a case study with Tamiraparani river basin, South India

The levels of 17 organochlorine pesticides residues (OCPs) in surface water and sediments from Tamiraparani river basin, South India were investigated to evaluate their potential pollution and risk impacts. A total of 96 surface water and sediment samples at 12 sampling stations were collected along the river in four seasons during 2008-2009. The ΣOCP concentrations in surface water and sediments were in the range of 0.1 to 79.9 ng l(-1) and 0.12 to 3,938.7 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), respectively. Among the OCPs, the levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), aldrin, dieldrin, cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, and mirex were dominant in the sediments. The dominant OCPs in water samples are heptachlor, o,p'-DDE, dieldrin, o,p'-DDD, and mirex, which show different source of contamination pattern among sampling seasons. The distribution pattern of DDTs, hexachlorocyclohexane, and other OCPs in the present study shows heterogenic nature of nonpoint source of pollution. Notable contamination of water and sediment sample that was observed in upstream (S2) 58 ng l(-1) and downstream (S11) 1,693 ng g(-1) dw explains agricultural and municipal outfalls, whereas frequent damming effect reduces the concentration level in the midstream. The overall spatial-temporal distribution pattern of ΣOCP residues are illustrated by GIS package.

The Missing Piece: Sediment Records in Remote Mountain Lakes Confirm Glaciers Being Secondary Sources of Persistent Organic Pollutants

After atmospheric deposition and storage in the ice, glaciers are temporary reservoirs of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Recently, the hypothesis that melting glaciers represent secondary sources of these pollutants has been introduced by investigations of the historical trend of POPs in a dated sediment core from the proglacial Alpine Lake Oberaar. Here, the hypothesis is further confirmed by the comparison of sediment data gathered from two Alpine lakes with a glaciated and a nonglaciated hydrological catchment. The two lakes (Lake Engstlen and Lake Stein in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland) are situated only 8 km apart at similar altitude and in the same meteorological catchment. In the nonglacial lake sediment of Lake Engstlen, PCBs and DDT (polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) levels culminated with the historic usage of these chemicals some 30-50 years ago. In the glacial Lake Stein, this peak was followed by a reincrease in the 1990s, which goes along with the accelerated melting of the adjacent glacier. This study confirms the hypothesis of glaciers being a secondary source of these pollutants and is in accordance with the earlier findings in Lake Oberaar.

Multiresidue pesticide analysis of the medicinal plant Origanum syriacum

Origanum syriacum is a medicinal plant widely used in Jordan both as a folk remedy and in the food and beverage industry. As the plant can be treated with pesticides during commercial production, three different methods for pesticide multiresidue analysis of this plant have been evaluated. One method based on soxhlet extraction followed by acetonitrile/petroleum ether (PE) partitioning was found to be particularly suitable. Extracts were cleaned-up using a Florisil column. Mean recoveries of pesticides from spiked herbal samples were 74–119%, with coefficients of variation between 1.0 and 23.6%. The limits of detection were in the range 0.0008–0.5 mg kg−1. The method was used for the determination of pesticide residues in O. syriacum samples purchased from the local market. Seven out of eight samples contained detectable levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), folpet, dicofol, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hecachlorocyclohexane (HCH), quintozene, transchlordane and vinclozolin.

Vertical distributions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) caused from organochlorine pesticides in a sediment core taken from Ariake bay, Japan

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of organochlorine pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDTs) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor, chlordane compounds (CHLs), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, mirex and isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs), were analyzed in sediment cores collected from Ariake Bay, Japan. Although Chikugo River has the largest flow in Ariake Bay, the total concentration of POPs in surface sediment was found in St.3, mouth of the Yabe River, where that level was two times higher than St.1, mouth of the Chikugo River. It could be assumed that the potential source of POPs contamination is relatively close to this study area. Relatively high residue levels of HCB, HCHs and DDTs in sediment core were found during the period from 1967 to 1970. In this layer, the HCB concentration investigated in sediment cores of Ariake Bay was maximum, 2.6 ng g(-1) dry weight and higher than that of Tokyo Bay and subsequently detected in deeper sediment cores. The ratio of (DDD+DDE)/SigmaDDTs was high in top sediments (0-2 cm). Although there was a concentration of DDTs in the top sediment, it was noticed that DDT emission did not cause direct input of DDT recently. The HCHs determined in upper sediment cores might be originated from long-range accumulation in environment after dispersing of technical-grade HCH. Moreover, the CHLs, dieldrin and heptachlor concentrations were detected and recently increased in sediment core. POPs in sediment cores of Ariake Bay based on the possibility of PCP contamination during the early 1960s were reflected.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in soil and water samples in the Northeastern part of São Paulo State, Brazil

Detailed analyses of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloro ethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs) and congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil and surface water from the northeastern São Paulo, Brazil allowed the evaluation of the contamination status, distribution and possible pollution sources. The pesticides and PCBs demonstrated markedly different distributions, reflecting different agricultural, domestic and industrial usage in each region studied. The ranges of HCH, DDT, and PCBs concentrations in the soil samples were 0.05–0.92, 0.12–11.01, 0.02–0.25 ng g −1 dry wt, respectively, and in the surface water samples were 0.02–0.6, 0.02–0.58 and 0.02–0.5 ng l −1, respectively. Overall elevated levels of DDT and PCB were recorded in region 2, a site very close to melting, automotive batteries industries, and agricultural practice regions. High ratios of metabolites of DDT to DDT isomers revealed the recent use of DDT in this environment. The sources of contamination are closely related to human activities, such as domestic and industrial discharge, street runoff, agricultural pesticides and soil erosion, due to deforestation as well as atmospheric transport.

Evaluation of the concentration of HCH, DDT, HCB, PCB and PAH in the sediments along the lower stretch of Hugli estuary, West Bengal, northeast India

Detailed analyses of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloro ethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the coastal estuarine environment of West Bengal, northeast India allowed the evaluation of the contamination status, distribution and possible pollution sources. HCH, DDT, HCB, PCB and PAH were identified compounds in all the samples, whereas the concentrations of chlorinated pesticides (trans-eptachlorepoxide, dieldrin, endrin, metaoxychlor and mirex) were below the detection limits and were not of great concern. The pesticides did demonstrate markedly different distributions reflecting different agricultural and domestic usage in the region. The range of concentrations of HCH, HCB, DDT and PCBs in the sediments were 0.11–0.40, <0.05–0.98, 0.18–1.93 and 0.18–2.33 ng/g dry wt, respectively. Overall elevated levels of HCB, DDT and PCB were recorded at Babughat, a very closely located site of the metropolitan megacity Calcutta. Fluoranthene (flu) and pyrene (py), the dominant 4-ring PAHs, also showed an abrupt elevated concentrations at Babughat with values of 214 and 144 ng/g dry wt, respectively. Among the isomers and metabolites of HCH, DDT and PCB, α-HCH, pp′-DDT and PCB 101, PCB 118, PCB 153 and PCB 138 were found to be dominant. High ratios of metabolites of DDT to ΣDDTs reveal recent use of DDT in this coastal environment. Fluoranthene, pyrene, 1,2-benzo(a)anthracene and chrysene formed the dominant congeners out of 19 identified PAHs. The sources of contamination are closely related to human activities such as domestic and industrial discharge, automobile exhausts, street runoff, slum sewage, agricultural chemicals and soil erosion due to deforestation as well as atmospheric transport. This study is compared to other coastal and estuarine environments in India and abroad. The baseline data can be used for regular ecological monitoring, considering the industrial and agricultural growth around this important estuarine ecosystem.

Levels of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and Deltamethrin in Humans and Environmental Samples in Malarious Areas of Mexico

Mexico used dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to control malaria until 1999, when it was replaced with deltamethrin for mosquito control. Thus, we performed environmental and exposure assessments to DDT and deltamethrin in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. In Chiapas, samples were obtained at the time when DDT was being used in the malaria control program, while in Oaxaca, samples were collected 2 years after the final spraying of DDT and 2 days after deltamethrin application. Mean concentrations of DDT and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), as measured in whole blood, were 67.8 and 86.7 μg/L for children living in Chiapas and 27.1 and 60.8 μg/L for adults, respectively. As expected, DDT levels were lower 2 years after the final application in Oaxaca (20.4 and 13.2 μg/L for children and adults, respectively). Sprayers in Chiapas had the highest levels of exposure, with 165.5 and 188.4 μg/L of DDT and DDE, respectively. Women living in Chiapas and Oaxaca also had significantly higher blood levels of DDT and DDE than those women living in areas where less DDT had been used. Deltamethrin exposure was assessed only in children living in Oaxaca; 50% of the exposed group had urinary levels of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid above the limit of detection (LOD) and 6% had levels above 25 μg/L (five times the LOD), with a negative trend with age (r=−0.33). In Chiapas we found higher DDT and DDE levels in soil than in Oaxaca. In the latter location, large amounts of DDT and DDE were found in sediment samples and deltamethrin was detected in indoor soil samples. Considering the environmental data, the blood level results can be explained by soil/dust ingestion, human milk ingestion, and consumption of fish and other contaminated foods.

Agricultural Produce in the Dry Bed of the River Ganga in Kanpur, India—A New Source of Pesticide Contamination in Human Diets

Vegetables grown in the dry bed field of the River Ganga in Kanpur, an important industrial city of North India, were analysed for the pesticides hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), their isomers and metabolites at three different sites. Residues of both the pesticides were found in all the samples. Mean levels of 109.35, 136.76 and 145.93 μg HCH/kg and 6.64, 49.3 and 46.70 μg DDT/kg were found in the rural upstream, city and downstream industrial areas, respectively. The mean total HCH and DDT levels were within safe limits as per the Indian Standard but some samples had HCH levels above the WHO/FAO limit. The pesticide residue level in vegetables was several fold higher than their surrounding sandy soil and could pose health problems since these popular vegetables are consumed regularly by the population.

Levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and hexachlorocyclohexane in human adipose tissue of the Indian population.

Concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were determined in 313 human omental fat samples collected from subjects from all five zones of India during 1977-1980. The median concentration of 2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), total DDT, beta HCH, and total HCH were 3.4, 6.0, 1.3, and 1.9 mg/kg, respectively. The calculated national mean levels for DDT and HCH were 11.1 and 3.5 mg/kg, respectively. Although the values of DDT and HCH were not as high as those reported earlier, there is still a need for close monitoring of the bioaccumulation of these chemical residues in the Indian population.

Placental transfer of pesticides in humans.

Transfer of organochlorine pesticides from mother to fetus has been studied in 100 women. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides were examined in maternal blood, placenta, and umbilical cord blood of the same mother/child pair. Residue levels of dichlorodiphenyl trichloro ethane (DDT) and its metabolites, isomers of benzene, hexachloride (BHC) and aldrin were detected in all the samples analyzed, indicating their transfer from mother to the fetus. A correlation was found to exist between the pesticide concentration and age, dietetic habits and area of residence of pregnant women.