Nonoccupational determinants of plasma DDT and p,p'-DDE in men from Chiapas, Mexico.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate nonoccupational biological exposure to 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) compounds and to identify the main factors associated with such exposure in a malaria endemic region in Mexico. Capillary gas column chromatography was used to determine levels of p,p'-DDT and its metabolites in plasma. The mean age of the 144 male participants was 28 yr. Mean p,p'-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene) and p,p'-DDT levels were 203.5 microg/l and 67.4 microg/l, respectively. Those whose houses had been sprayed for malaria control had much higher p,p'-DDE levels (p < 0.001). High levels of chlorinated pesticides were found despite being banned in Mexico for agricultural and public health use. Findings demonstrate the role of antimalarial campaigns as a major contributing factor for high DDT plasma levels.
Barraza-Villarreal
Albino
A
Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
Farías
Paulina
P
Díaz Sánchez
Vicente
V
Bailey
Janice L
JL
De Jager
Tiaan
T
Ayotte
Pierre
P
Hernández-Avila
Mauricio
M
Dewailly
Eric
E
D000328:Adult; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003634:DDT / Q000097:blood*; D003633:Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene / Q000097:blood*; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000097:blood*; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods
D007306:Insecticides; D003633:Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene; D003634:DDT