Changes in pattern of organochlorine residues in blood of general Israeli population, 1975-1986.

This study reviews data on the changes with time of the blood levels of some organochlorine compounds (OCCs) in the general Israeli population. All the studied OCC residues, except for p,p'-DDD, were significantly lower in 1985-1986 than in 1975. A decline in blood residues of organochlorine pesticides was observed mainly in the second half of the 1970s, whereas a fall in the polychlorinated biphenyl residue levels took place in the first half of the 1980s. During the latter period, unexplained increases in p,p'-DDD, dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide residue levels were seen. A significant decrease in the blood levels of OCCs quickly metabolized in the body (p,p'-DDT, tetrachlorobiphenyls) indicated a considerable reduction of environmental exposures. The clear decline in OCC contamination of the environment and, in particular, of the human body during the reviewed period (1975-1986) resulted from the restrictions imposed in Israel on the use of OCCs. Nevertheless this does not mean that this problem has been solved. Some health implications of low-level life-long OCC exposure are discussed, and further environmental and biological monitoring and control measures are recommended.

Levels of some organochlorine residues in blood of patients with arteriosclerotic disease.

This study aims to elucidate if any association exists between the development of arteriosclerotic disease and contamination of the internal human environment with certain organochlorine compounds (OCCs). For this purpose the levels of DDT isomers and their metabolites, and of lindane, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in blood serum of 11 patients suffering from slight to moderate (group A), and 24 patients with moderate to severe (group B), arteriosclerotic lesions. The control group consisted of 27 patients with no obvious manifestations of arteriosclerosis. The main findings of the study in comparison with the control group were: Mean OCC residue levels in blood were slightly higher in group A and markedly so in group B; The variability and the extent of departure from normality of distributions of organochlorine insecticides (OCIs) decreased, whereas those of PCBs increased, in arteriosclerotic patients (more markedly in group B); The degree of correlation between blood serum levels of various OCCs was elevated in group A and low in group B. It remains to be ascertained whether changes in the body burden of OCCs are primary, resulting from increased exposure to and absorption of these compounds which thus contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis, or are of secondary origin, due to inhibition of xenobiotic metabolism caused by interference of the arteriosclerotic process with the functions of drug metabolizing enzymes of liver microsomes.

Serum levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and some organochlorine insecticides in women with recent and former missed abortions.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and some organochlorine insecticides (DDT isomers and their metabolites, lindane (gamma-BHC), dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide) were assessed in the serum of 17 women with recent missed abortions, 7 women who experienced one or several missed abortions in their past, and 7 women with normal, second trimester pregnancy. Fifty-three percent of the cases of recent missed abortion had PCB serum levels higher than the mean plus two standard deviations of the control group. The mean PCB serum level in women with recent missed abortion and relatively high PCB serum levels was significantly different from that of the control group (103.04 versus 20.69 ppb, P less than 0.001). The mean PCB serum level of the former missed abortions group was also significantly different from that of the control group (82.00 versus 20.69 ppb, P less than 0.001). The quantity of the higher chlorinated biphenyl homologues (penta- and hexachlorobiphenyls) was increased in the high PCB level, missed abortion group and in the former missed abortion group, while the lower chlorinated biphenyl homologues were decreased in these groups in comparison with the control group. The percentage of total o,p'-DDT serum level, as related to total DDT, showed an increase in the high PCB level, recent missed abortion and in the former missed abortion groups, in comparison with the control group (36.18 and 48.98 versus 25.57, respectively). The fact that the former missed abortion group showed increased PCB serum levels similar to those found in the high PCB level, recent missed abortion group confirms the existence of an association between relatively high PCB serum levels and the occurrence of missed abortion. The possible role of PCBs in the occurrence of missed abortion is discussed.

World PCBs map: storage and effects in man and his biologic environment in the 1970s.

PCB residues are found in biota all over the world. A biologic magnification of PCBs has been demonstrated in the food chain: plankton-fish-fish eating birds. A world map of the PCBs residues in biota and some of their biologic effects are given in this study. The biologic effects of PCBs are varied and may generally be explained by the induction or inhibition of the activity of a large number of enzymes, which upsets quantitatively, normal biochemical processes. Harm to reproduction, growth, development, defense systems, tissues, and organs appeared in susceptible organisms as a result of such changes or as a chain reaction to heterostases. The adverse health effects, observed in persons occupationally exposed and in those accidentally poisoned, point to the risk for the general population of an ever-increasing environmental pollution by PCBs. There is need for an integrated approach, consisting of epidemiologic studies on high risk groups in the general population and in persons occupationally exposed, as well as periodic assessment of PCB residues in man, his food, and feed supplies.

Organochlorine compounds in human blood plasma and milk.

Organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's were assessed in human blood and milk collected from Israeli mothers 2-4 days ater childbirth during 1975. The concentration of total DDT (sigma DDT) was similar in whole plasma and milk (74 ppb versus 72 ppb) and higher in plasma-extracted lipids than in milk-extracted lipids: 15.12 ppm versus 5.77 ppm. Levels of gemma-BHC, dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide were higher in whole plasma and plasma-extracted lipids than in whole milk or in milk-extracted lipids. PCB's had similar concentrations in extracted lipids of plasma and milk but were significantly higher in whole milk than in whole plasma. Higher percentages of organochlorine insecticides and PCBs were excreted in milk from mothers between 20 and 29 than between 30 and 39, although the younger group had lower levels of these compounds in plasma. Overweight women excreted lower quantities of organochlorine insecticides and PCB's than did women of normal weight