Levels of DDT and metabolites in breast milk from Kwa-Zulu mothers after DDT application for malaria control

Abstract

Concentrations of DDT, DDE and DDD were determined in the breast milk of Kwa-Zulu mothers residing in two different areas--with and without annual intra-domiciliary applications of DDT for the interruption of malaria transmission (exposed and control groups, respectively). While no significant change in levels with time was found in the control group, both DDT and DDE in breast milk of the exposed group increased after DDT application and this continued for three more months, after which it did not decrease appreciably. Percentage DDT increased from 42.57% (sigma DDT = 12.21 mg/kg milk fat) before spraying to 50.87% (sigma DDT = 13.79 mg/kg milk fat) following DDT application. At 6 and 9 months after the application it was 45.85% (sigma DDT = 19.49 mg/kg milk fat) and 43.27% (sigma DDT = 18.34 mg/kg milk fat), respectively. These results suggest a risk to the health of the infants in the exposed group.