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PubMed1999

Genotoxicity testing of six insecticides in two crosses of the Drosophila wing spot test.

Among the great variety of genotoxicity assays available, the wing spot test in Drosophila melanogaster has some characteristics that make it very suited for the screening of genotoxic activity, i.e., it is an easy and inexpensive assay using a eukaryotic organism in vivo. One of the most interesting characteristics of the assay is its capacity to detect genotoxic activity of promutagens without the necessity of an exogenous metabolic activation system. In this paper we present results obtained with a recently developed high bioactivation cross of the wing spot test (NORR cross). The positive results obtained with the five well-known procarcinogens 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, p-dimethylaminoazobenzene, diethylnitrosamine and urethane clearly show that the NORR strains are similar to the other high bioactivation strains previously described, but they lack their methodological disadvantages. We have tested six insecticides, which are characterised by having contradictory results in other genotoxicity tests, using both the standard and the high bioactivation (NORR) cross. The six insecticides analysed are the pyrethroid allethrin, the methylenedioxyphenolic compound piperonyl butoxide, the chlorinated hydrocarbons dieldrin and endrin, and the organophosphates dimethoate and malathion. We obtained negative results for all six compounds. Our results show the suitability of the wing spot test for the evaluation of compounds at the first level of genotoxicity testing.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Gene mapping and cross-resistance in cyclodiene insecticide-resistant Drosophila melanogaster (Mg.).

Resistance to the cyclodiene insecticide dieldrin maps to a single gene (Rdl) on the left arm of chromosome III in Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen). The gene was further mapped by the use of chromosomal deficiencies to a single letter sub-region, 66F, on the polytene chromosome. The cross-resistance spectrum of a backcrossed strain lacking elevated mixed function oxidase activity, a common resistance mechanism, was examined. Levels of resistance similar to those found in other insects were found to dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, lindane, and picrotoxinin. Strong similarity of this single major gene with that found in other cyclodiene resistant insects is suggested by its cross-resistance spectrum and chromosomal location, via homology with other Diptera. The significance of major genes in insecticide resistance is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Distribution and toxicity of sediment-associated pesticides in agriculture-dominated water bodies of California's Central Valley.

The agricultural industry and urban pesticide users are increasingly relying upon pyrethroid insecticides and shifting to more potent members of the class, yet little information is available on residues of these substances in aquatic systems under conditions of actual use. Seventy sediment samples were collected over a 10-county area in the agriculture-dominated Central Valley of California, with most sites located in irrigation canals and small creeks dominated by agricultural effluent. The sediments were analyzed for 26 pesticides including five pyrethroids, 20 organochlorines, and one organophosphate. Ten-day sediment toxicity tests were conducted using the amphipod Hyalella azteca and, for some samples, the midge Chironomus tentans. Forty-two percent of the locations sampled caused significant mortality to one test species on at least one occasion. Fourteen percent of the sites (two creeks and four irrigation canals) showed extreme toxicity (>80% mortality) on at least one occasion. Pyrethroid pesticides were detected in 75% of the sediment samples, with permethrin detected most frequently, followed by esfenvalerate > bifenthrin > lambda-cyhalothrin. Based on a toxicity unit analysis, measured pyrethroid concentrations were sufficiently high to have contributed to the toxicity in 40% of samples toxic to C. tentans and nearly 70% of samples toxic to H. azteca. Organochlorine compounds (endrin, endosulfan) may have contributed to the toxicity at a few other sites. This study provides one of the first geographically broad assessments of pyrethroids in areas highly affected by agriculture, and it suggests there is a greater need to examine sediment-associated pesticide residues and their potential for uptake by and toxicity to benthic organisms.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2004

Development of a monoclonal immunoassay selective for chlorinated cyclodiene insecticides.

Organochlorine pesticides still generate public health concerns because of their unresolved health impact and their persistence in living beings, which is demanding appropriate analytical techniques for their monitoring. In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the detection of an important group of organochlorine pesticides, the cyclodiene group, has been developed. With this aim, several hapten-protein conjugates, characterized by exposure of the common hexachlorinated bicyclic (norbornene) moiety and differing in the linking structure to the carrier protein, were prepared. From mice immunized with these conjugates, several MAbs with the ability to sensitively bind the majority of cyclodienes were obtained. Among them CCD2.2 MAb displaying the broadest recognition to cyclodiene compounds (endosulfan, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor, aldrin, toxaphene: I(50) values in the 6-25 nM range) was selected for the assay. Interestingly, this MAb showed certain stereospecificity toward other polychlorinated cycloalkanes because the gamma-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) was also very well recognized (I(50) value of 22 nM). This immunoassay is potentially a very valuable analytical tool for the rapid and sensitive determination of cyclodiene insecticides and related compounds, which in turn may contribute to the understanding of the biological activities and of the overall environmental impact of these persistent organic pollutants.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Persistent chlorinated pesticides in fish and cattle fat and their implications for human serum concentrations from the Sene-Gambian region.

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fish, shrimps, cattle fat and human serum samples from the Sene-Gambian region were measured using validated analytical methodologies. The results obtained were compared with those of other existing African studies and with data from other developing countries. In fish samples, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and HCB were detected with a frequency of 100%, whereas p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) was detected in eight, heptachlorepoxide in six and endosulfansulfate in five of the nine fish samples. Relatively low concentrations of OCPs were found in cattle and shrimp fat samples. p,p'-DDE and alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH) were the most frequently identified. The sum of HCHs ranged from undetected to 13.3 ng g-1 fat, the sum of DDTs from 11.1 to 199.2 ng g-1 fat and the sum of endosulfans from not detected to 49.7 ng g-1 fat in fish and shrimps. In serum samples, alpha-HCH, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDT were detected in all 16 pooled serum samples, whereas endosulfansulfate, methoxychlor, mirex, heptachlorepoxide and endrin were detected in 15 samples with most of the concentrations below 10 ng mL-1. The concentrations of OCPs in human serum were given on a serum lipid and whole serum volume basis. The implications for the human diet of these OCP concentrations in serum were investigated by means of biomagnification factors related to the log Kow values of the targeted compounds. The current use of HCH mixtures was suggested to explain the unusually high alpha-HCH concentration. The distribution pattern of these OCPs in humans was also discussed and compared with that in other studies.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1999

The interaction of chlorinated alicyclic insecticides with brain GABA(A) receptors in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Chlorinated alicyclic insecticides are believed to antagonize the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at its receptor in vertebrates. Binding of the specific GABA(A) receptor ligand [35S]-t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) to channel catfish brain P2 membranes suggested a single population of receptors with a Kd (56.6+/-2.6 nM) and Bmax (2435+/-276 fmol/mg protein) that are similar to published values for other fish species. The competition of several chlorinated compounds for TBPS binding was investigated. The most potent inhibitors of TBPS binding were 12-ketoendrin, photoheptachlor epoxide, photoheptachlor, telodrin, and endrin, respectively, with IC50s of 20-90 nM. Photooxychlordane, photo alpha-chlordane, and oxychlordane were intermediate in potency (122-219 nM), as were isodrin, dihydroisodrin, heptachlor epoxide, and alpha-chlordane, which were similar in potency (311-397 nM). Dieldrin, lindane, and dihydroaldrin were much less potent (592-1103 nM). Heptachlor, aldrin, and gamma-chlordane were weak inhibitors of TBPS binding (2073-2738 nM). Chlordene and chlordecone had the lowest potency of all compounds studied (10,201-21,178 nM) with the exception of mirex, which did not inhibit binding at a concentration of 50 microM. There is a good correlation between binding potency and the available toxicity data for several of these compounds in channel catfish. There is also a good correlation between the inhibitory potency in channel catfish by these types of compounds with that in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of antinuclear antibodies in a rural population.

Exposure to environmentally and occupationally encountered toxicants can be associated with the development of certain autoimmune diseases and with the induction of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Some chemicals used in the agricultural industry are known to affect immune function but their roles in the induction of autoimmunity in general, and ANA in particular, have not been reported previously. This study was undertaken to establish the prevalence of ANA in a rural population and to determine environmental and occupational exposures with which they are associated. This cross-sectional study represented one component of an interdisciplinary project (Prairie Ecosystem Study [PECOS], Eco-Research Program, Tri-Council Secretariat of Canada) designed to explore, in a rural population, the roles of environmental exposures as determinants of human health status. Information regarding lifetime, current, and main occupational exposures in the rural-dwelling study population was derived from a self-administered questionnaire. Sera from consenting subjects, collected during the months of February and March 1996, were assayed for ANA by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells. The study population comprised 322 adult subjects (mean age 49.3+/-14.7 yr; range 16-87 yr). Statistical analyses adjusted for age and sex revealed that the presence of ANA among the participants was associated with a current agricultural occupation that included oilseed production, hog production, or poultry production. There was a significant association between ANA positivity and a current main farming operation of crop production. There was also an association among individual participants between lifetime exposure to the insecticide class of pesticides and the presence of ANA. In this rural study population, ANA positivity was significantly associated with lifetime exposure specifically to carbamate, organochlorine (including aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, and lindane, but excluding DDT and methoxychlor), and pyrethroid insecticides and to phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, including 2,4-D. After adjustment for age, sex, and other insecticide exposures, multivariate analyses indicated that ANA positivity was associated with current oilseed production and with lifetime exposure to pyrethroid insecticides. In a rural population, ANA were associated with production of certain crops and certain animals and exposure to specific pesticides. The data indicate that some occupational exposures related to the agricultural industry are associated with the presence of ANA, a serologic expression of autoimmunity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

On the ecology of the harbour seal Phoca vitulina in the Wadden Sea: population dynamics, residue levels, and management .

The harbour seal population in the Dutch Wadden Sea decreased significantly during the last decades. Calculations based on bounty data revealed that the population decreased from about 2700 in 1950 to about 900 in 1959. Annual aerial surveys--which were carried out since that time--showed a slight increase due to the stop of hunting. However, after 1964 a new decline occurred and since 1974 the population stays at a level of about 450 specimens. During 1974 to 1978 the population dynamics of the population have been studied Frequent aerial surveys provided data on the size of the population. These data have been used in a simulation model and the birth rate and the initial juvenile mortality were calculated. During boat trips an indication of the age composition was obtained by measuring track widths. By comparing these results with similar results from a stable population in Schleswig Holstein it appeared: (1) that juvenile mortality in the first weeks in the Dutch population is higher than that in Schleswig Holstein but the overall mortality of pups in both areas in their first three months of life is of the same order; (2) that pup production in the Dutch population is low compared to the population in Schleswig Holstein; (3) that apparently immigration from elsewhere occurs. To investigate the contribution of environmental pollution to the decline of the Dutch seal population tissues of dead, stranded animals originating from Schleswig Holstein, Denmark and the Netherlands were collected and analyzed for PCBs, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-(DDT, DDE, TDE), dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, endosulfan, alpha, beta, gamma,-HCH, HCB, QCB (pentachlorobenzene), HEPO, total mercury, methyl-mercury, selenium and bromium. Considering epidemiological and experimental data on the effects of PCBs on mammalian reproduction, strong support is obtained for the hypothesis that PCBs are responsible for the decreased reproduction in seals from the Dutch Wadden Sea. if PBCs are responsible for the decrease of the Dutch seal population, measure of all North Sea countries are urgently required because these PCBs may not only be a hazard to seals but also to other animals and even man. Production and use of PCBs should be limited and used PCBs should be collected and destroyed. However, even if an immediate ban on PCB's would be effected, the effects of PCBs because of their persistent character are likely to last many years. For that reason it may be assumed that the seal population in the western Wadden Sea still faces a difficult period in the years to come. In order to lead this population through this difficult period, all possible measures enhancing its continued existence should be taken. Since the seals in the Wadden Sea form one population maximum result may be expected from measures applying to all seals in the Wadden Sea. Thus international cooperation is necessary. The following measures are proposed: Continued interdiction of hunting in order to obtain a maximum number of animals taking part in reproduction. Establishment of seal reserves and, additionally supporting seal nursery stations in order to guarantee a maximum reproductive output. However, it has to be stressed that these measures are not effective if at the same time the main cause of the decrease is not found and brought under control.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Assessment of the levels of chlorinated pesticides in breast milk in Kuwait.

Breast milk samples, randomly collected from 32 Kuwaiti donors were analysed for chlorinated pesticides. DDE residues ranged from 127 to 3333 micrograms/kg, averaging, 833 micrograms/kg, expressed on a fat weight basis. DDT levels ranged from 0.6 to 67 micrograms/kg fat and averaged 12.4 micrograms/kg, fat. High DDE/DDT ratios were found, which indicated that the exposure to DDT, in most cases, happened quite some time ago. In addition many of the samples also contained isomers of HCH, heptachlor-epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin and endrin. Residue levels of non-DDT pesticides were generally low. Overall levels of DDT-pesticides in Kuwaiti milk samples were lower than levels reported from other Middle Eastern countries, although methodologies may not be directly comparable.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Food surveillance in the Basque country (Spain) I. The design of a total diet study.

A total diet study has been initiated in the Basque country (Spain), the purpose of which is to provide estimates of the average intake of both food contaminants and certain nutrients. The types and quantities of foods that make up the average Basque 'Total Diet' are based on the results of surveys carried out between 1988 and 1990. These surveys have identified the major items in the national diet (91 categories of foods) which are combined for the total diet study, for analysis, into 16 groups of similar foods. Each group is being analysed for selected contaminants of concern which initially are: heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic), organochlorine pesticides (HCB, HCH (alpha, beta, gamma, delta), DDT (DDE, TDE), dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan and methoxychlor) and selected trace element nutrients (zinc, selenium and iron). In the milk and dairy products groups an assessment of aflatoxin M1 contamination is also being carried out.

Aflatoxin M1↗
PubMed1996

Food surveillance in the Basque Country (Spain). II. Estimation of the dietary intake of organochlorine pesticides, heavy metals, arsenic, aflatoxin M1, iron and zinc through the Total Diet Study, 1990/91.

Total diet samples purchased at monthly intervals between March 1990 and December 1991 were analysed for different contaminants and nutrients. Each total diet sample included 91 food items which were combined after preparation and/or cooking into 16 groups of similar foods. The 'market basket' was based on a food survey which referred to the adult population (25-60 years) carried out in the Basque Country between 1988 and 1990. The dietary intakes (micrograms/day) of lead (43), cadmium (11), mercury (18), arsenic (291), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (0.2), alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH) ( < 0.1), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) (0.1), gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) (2.9), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (0.3), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE) (0.9), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD)(0.2), dieldrin (0.5), heptachlor epoxide ( < 0.1), alpha-endosulphan (0.1) and beta-endosulphan (0.1) were all well below the respective Acceptable Daily Intakes or Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes. However, arsenic intake was much higher than that estimated in other countries and gamma-HCH was detected in anomalously high levels in the bread group. Dietary intakes of delta-hexachlorocyclohexane (delta-HCH), aldrin, endrin, heptachlor and methoxychlor were not calculated because no residues were detected in any of the samples. Aflatoxin M1 intake was not estimated owing to the low levels detected. Finally, zinc intakes (11.6 mg/day) were below the recommended dietary allowances for Spain and the same was true for iron (11.3 mg/day), but only for females.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Organochlorine pesticide residues in muscle tissue of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, taken from four fish farms in León, Spain.

Levels of nine organochlorine pesticides (lindane, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, o,p'-TDE, p,p'-TDE, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT) were determined in muscle samples of rainbow trout, Onchorhynchus mykiss, collected from four fish farms in the province of León, in the north-west of Spain (Europe). The highest incidence percentage was for lindane (67.5%) and heptachlor epoxide (55.0%). Organochlorine residue levels detected contributed slightly to acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (lindane 0.22-2.3%; sigma DDT 0.05-0.46%; heptachlor epoxide 10.0-71.4% and sigma dieldrin 16.7-33.3% assuming 300 g of trout muscle as a mean daily intake). The highest concentration found was for heptachlor epoxide (0.043 microgram/g).

Aldrin↗
PubMed2007

Selective removal of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from aqueous solution by triolein-embedded composite adsorbent.

A novel composite adsorbent (CA-T) was used for the selective removal of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was composed of the supporting activated carbon and the surrounding triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption isotherms and fluorescence methods were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of CA-T. Triolein was perfectly embedded in the cellulose acetate membrane and deposited on the surface of activated carbon. The adsorbent was stable in water and no triolein leakage was detected during the test periods. Some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as dieldrin, endrin, aldrin, and heptachlor epoxide, were used as model contaminants and removed by CA-T in laboratory batch experiments. The adsorption isotherm followed the Freundlich equation and the kinetic data fitted well to the pseudo-second-order reaction model. Results also indicated that CA-T appeared to be a promising adsorbent with good selectivity and satisfactory removal rate for lipophilic OCPs from aqueous solutions when present in trace amounts. The adsorption rate and removal efficiency for lipophilic OCPs were positively related to their octanol-water partition coefficients (log K(ow)). Lower residual concentrations of OCPs were achieved when compared to granular activated carbon (GAC).

Adsorption↗
PubMed1985

Organochlorine residues in finfish from Maryland waters 1976-1980.

Organochlorine pesticide and herbicide levels were monitored in samples of a variety of edible finfish harvested from the Maryland section of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries over a five-year period (1976-80). Qualitative and quantitative information was obtained for the various polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), heptachlor, alpha-BHC, chlordane, DDD, DDE, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlorepoxide, lindane, mirex, methoxychlor, aldrin, toxaphene, hexachlorobenzene, kepone and dacthal. In addition to analyses of the flesh of the animals, organochlorine residue levels were determined in roe or gonad tissue of several samples. Striped bass, white perch and yellow perch samples showed significantly higher concentrations of certain of these substances in roe or gonad tissue, especially PCB's, chlordane, DDD and dieldrin. Significantly higher levels of six organochlorine residues were found in the gonad tissue of striped bass; however, similar studies on gonad tissue of American Shad, harvested from the same region, show no such enhancement. Rather, the reverse is true; levels of certain organochlorine residues are higher in flesh tissue. All mean values, and virtually all individual values of organochlorine concentrations in the edible portion of the fish were within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guideline, where such guidelines have been established.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Regional distribution of organochlorine insecticide residues in human milk from Egypt.

The organochlorine insecticide residues in 60 human milk samples from 20 Egyptian governorates were analyzed by gas chromatography/electron capture and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that the main detected organochlorine insecticides were p,p'-DDE and lindane. Other HCH isomers, p,p'-DDT and endosulfan I residues were detected in some samples, but aldrin and endrin were not detected in most of the samples. The mean values for p,p'-DDE, lindane, endosulfan I and p,p'-DDT levels in the milk samples of the 20 governorates studied were 21.37 ppb, 8.42 ppb, 4.84 ppb and 2.93 ppb respectively, which are lower than the levels reported, a number of years ago, in most of the developed countries. Relatively higher levels of organochlorine insecticide residues were recorded in the samples from intensive agricultural activity regions.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed1999

Occurrence of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in water of the Nile river at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches, north of Delta, Egypt.

A study was conducted from summer 1995 to summer 1997 to assess the seasonal occurrence of pesticide residues and other organic contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in water at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches of the Nile river. The results indicated that organochlorine compounds (OCs) including HCB, lindane, p,p'-DDE, p,p'DDD, p,p'-DDT, aroclor 1254 and aroclor 1260 were present in all the water samples at concentration levels ranging between 0.195-0.240, 0.286-0.352, 0.035-0.067, 0.019-0.033, 0.024-0.031, 0.390-0.70 and 0.166-0.330 microgram/l, respectively. The levels of these compounds were higher in water of Damiatta branch than those found in water of Rosetta branch. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin were not detected in all water samples. Only 4 compounds from 36 organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s-triazine herbicides tested were detected in water samples collected during summer and autumn seasons from Rosetta branch. The concentration levels of these detected compounds, dimethoate, malathion, captan, and ametryne, ranged from 0.011 to 0.340 microgram/l, respectively. Similar compounds during the same seasons as found in water of Rosetta branch were also detected in water of Damiatta branch except ametryne. The levels of the detected compounds (dimethoate, malathion and captan) ranged between 0.030 and 0.330 microgram/l. The levels of detected organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s-triazine herbicides were in the order: dimethoate > malathion > captan > ametryne.

Egypt↗
PubMed1976

Joint action of insecticides against houseflies.

Mixtures of DDT, lindane, endrin, isobenzan, malathion, thiometon, and carbaryl were formulated on an equitoxicity basis. The joint action of 14 mixtures of insecticides was studied against the female housefly (Musca nebulo L.) by a topical application method. In general, the intragroup combinations of the chlorinatophosphate plus a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide exhibited no loss in either potency or synergism. An independent joint action was observed only in those mixtures containing DDT and either malathion or thiomethon. The toxicity of all the formulations containing carbaryl and a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide was found to be more than additive. The mixture of isobenzan plus carbaryl exhibited the highest degree of synergism of all the combinations tested, while those containing carbaryl and either malathion or thiometon showed a slight antagonism.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Assessment of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in adipose breast tissue using a supercritical fluid extraction method.

A precise and highly reproducible analytical method was developed for the assessment of organochlorinated pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in adipose tissue (> or = 50 mg). The method can be utilized for epidemiological studies on the significance of these environmental pollutants in the etiology of breast cancer. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 and modified CO2 (addition of 5% dichloromethane) is employed to remove incurred pesticide residues from adipose tissues that have been surgically removed from breast cancer patients and controls. An alumina sorbent, placed in the extracting vessel together with a specimen, removes the bulk of co-extracted lipids; a subsequent purification of the SFE extracts by column chromatography on alumina removes the remaining traces of lipids that would interfere with the gas chromatographic analysis with electron capture detection. The method was tested by analyzing a Certified Reference Material 430 pork fat with known amounts of pesticide residues that are commonly found in fat or in foods with a high fat content. The recoveries of analytes ranged from 73.4% for endrin to 115% for alpha-, beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene and dieldrin, with standard deviations of 4-12% for individual analytes. The analysis of adipose tissue for organochlorinated compounds on the basis of this new method suggested that the pesticide levels were higher in breast cancer patients than in controls. However, the small number of samples analyzed in this study (n = 5, both groups) precludes definitive conclusions. The most abundant compounds in both cases and controls were p, p-DDE (379 +/- 286 and 160 +/- 149 p.p.b.) and PCB (223 +/- 145 and 124 +/- 65.7 p.p.b.), followed by the termiticide chlordane residues oxychlordane and transnonachlor.

Adipose Tissue↗