Polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide levels in human breast milk from the Mediterranean city Antalya, Turkey

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2011 Apr;86(4):423-7. doi: 10.1007/s00128-011-0221-3. Epub 2011 Feb 22.

Abstract

In this study, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels were determined in 100 human milk samples from the city of Antalya. The levels of seven major PCB congeners; 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180 and nine OCPs, α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, HCB, heptachlor epoxide, p.p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, endosulfan-α and endosulfan-β were determined by gas chromatography with ECD detection. The levels of analyzed compounds were as follows: ΣPCBs 27.46 ± 11.58, ΣDDT 1,407 ± 123, and ΣBHC 160 ± 490 ng/g lipid wt.basis. PCB 153 and p,p'-DDE were the dominant contaminants. The results have been discussed and compared with similar studies from other regions of Turkey.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / metabolism*
  • Maternal Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Milk, Human / metabolism*
  • Pesticides / metabolism*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / metabolism*
  • Turkey
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Pesticides
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls