[Contamination of human breast milk with chlorinated hydrocarbon residues]

Abstract

136 out of 137 human breast milk samples which were investigated between June 1973 and January 1974 contained remains of the insecticide DDT and its metabolite DDE, Some of them in considerable amounts. On average the quantities of DDE were double those of DDT. In 73 samples DDD could be found at the same time. DDD can be formed during metabolization of DDT. Less frequently other chlorinated hydrocarbons were found, mainly hexachlorobenzene, lindane (gamma-HCH), TECHNOLOGICAL HCH and heptachloroepoxide. On the other hand quite frequently found in animals were rarely observed. Only one of the investigated samples of human breast milk was in accordance with the recently introduced legal maximum allowed for cow's milk and milk products, It seems particularly serious that, assuming normal conditions, the ADI value for DDT in adults suggested by the WHO was exceeded on average fourfold and in the highest value 16-fold. Also noteworthy is the not infrequent contamination with polychlorinated biphenyles. These are remains of industrial products which are very similar to DDT in their toxic and physico-chemical behaviour.