[Organochlorine pesticide (DDT etc.) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compound residues in human milk (from the area of Vienna and lower Austria) (author's transl]

Abstract

31 samples of human milk (Vienna and Lower Austria) were examined for the presence of organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compound residues using standard methods. In Viennese samples, mean concentrations of these residues in the milk fat were as follows: HCB 1.24 ppm, gamma-HCH 0.048 ppm, beta-HCH 0.20 ppm, DDE 3.38 ppm, DDT 1.06 ppm and PCB compounds 1.54 ppm. The mean levels of these substances in the milk fat samples from women living in the area of Mistelbach, Lower Austria, were: HCB 3.67 ppm, gamma-HCH 0.063 ppm, beta-HCH 0.28 ppm, DDE 3.92 ppm, DDT 1.76 ppm and PCB compounds 1.29 ppm. The difference between the content of HBC residues in milk samples from the city and from an intensively agricultural area is significant. The results are compared with figures from other countries. With the mother's milk the baby consumes a quantity of pesticides which is very often larger than the acceptable daily intake.