[Volatile organochlorine compounds in human tissue]

Abstract

Between November 1978 and June 1979 a total of 150 tissue sample (subcutaneous adipose tissue, perinephric fat, liver, lung and muscle tissue) from 30 autopsy cases were examined for their content of volatile organic chlorinated compounds. The ages of the deceased ranged from 29 to 82 years, whereas the majority was 60-70 years old and most were male. Volatile organic chlorinated compounds are detected in all tissue samples investigated. The compounds chloroform, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene are always found. The mean values vary between 2 and 25 micrograms/kg wet tissue. The values increase from carbon tetrachloride over 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene to chloroform. With the exception of 1,1,1-trichloroethane much lower values are found in the liver, lung and muscle tissues than in the fatty tissues. The mean value of chloroform detected in subcutaneous adipose tissue amounted to 23,4 micrograms/kg wet tissue, in perinephric fat 24.8 micrograms/kg, in liver tissue 10.8 micrograms/kg, in lung tissue 9.9 micrograms/kg and in muscle tissue 10.0 micrograms/kg. Maximum values are 10 to 20 times higher. The chloroform content of the tissues increase with age and reach a maximum between 50 and 70 years of age. This increase is not influenced by the fat content of the tissues.