Evaluation of some organochlorine pesticides in human breast milk and infants' dietary intake in middle and Upper Egypt

ABSTRACT

A total of fifty-four human breast milk samples were collected from Pediatric Department of Assiut University Hospital from lactating mothers during January-August, 2001. The samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues by using gas chromatography-electron capture detector [GC-ECD]. The results revealed that all detected organochlorine residue levels were markedly lower in comparison with the previously documented levels although they still had the same frequency percentages as recorded previously. The study indicated also that p,p'-DDE and beta-HCH were found to be the main contaminants and were detected in all analyzed samples [100%] followed by HCB [88.9%], p,p'-DDT [83.3%] and oxychlordane [33.3%]. The mean total DDTs level in breast milk samples was 16.166 +/- 14.82 microg/I formed mainly of p,p'-DDE [95%]. The levels ranged from 3.353 to 67.159 microg/I, with levels exceeding the Extraneous Residue Limits [ERLs] issued by FAO/WHO, in 1994 and1996 [50 microg/I] in only 3 samples [5.6%]. The total HCH isomers average was 1.599 +/- 1.595 microg/I milk formed mainly of beta-HCH. HCB and oxychlordane were detected at lower average levels of 0.389 +/- 0.156 and 0.285 +/- 0.175 microg/I milk, respectively. Within the detection limits no sample was found to contain aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin, gamma- and alpha chlordane residues. The estimated daily intakes [EDIs] for total DDTs, gamma-HCH and total HCH residues never exceeded the recommended FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake [ADIs]. The possible health impact of these pollutants was reviewed