Abstract

CHAVEZ-ALMAZAN, Luis Alberto et al. REGIONAL ANALYSIS OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES CONTAMINATION IN HUMAN MILK IN GUERRERO, MEXICO. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2018, vol.34, n.2, pp.225-235. ISSN 0188-4999.  https://doi.org/10.20937/rica.2018.34.02.04.

During the 20th century in Mexico, organochlorine pesticides were applied intensively to combat various problems. The National Campaign for Malaria Eradication implied the intensive use of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). On the other hand, hexachlorobenzene and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (Lindane) were used for protection of seeds and agricultural crops, causing a prolonged exposure of population. For this reason, this study evaluated the magnitude and distribution of contamination by these organochlorine pesticides in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, through the analysis of breast milk. From both urban and rural locations, 171 samples of volunteer donor mothers were collected in the seven regions of the State . The chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography. Median concentrations of total DDT were 0.833 mg/kg in lipid base, while hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) presented 0.009 and 0.004 mg/kg, respectively. Comparisons for concentrations of the compounds between regions were made likewise. There were statistically significant differences in total DDT concentrations (p < 0.05), with higher levels in the Costa Chica (0.961 mg/kg) and Tierra Caliente (1.087 mg/kg). Meanwhile, the Costa Grande presented the highest concentration of β-HCH throughout the state (0.018 mg/kg). Women from rural areas had higher levels of all pesticides (with the exception of β-HCH) than those living in urban locations. The information generated may be useful to the design of studies that explain the role of these pollutants in the health of the population of this region of Mexico, and for the establishment of public policies and prevention and control programs.

Keywords : persistent organic pollutants; human exposure; breastfeeding.

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