[Human health effects and p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT exposure: the case of Mexico].
Based on the systematic revision of 32 articles published in PubMed-Medline until January of 2006 and using like key words DDT exposure, human, milk and Mexico; this study analyzes the situation about the exposure of difenildicloroetano (DDT) and its main metabolite p,p,'-DDE in Mexico, as well as, their possible repercussion on the human health. Even though, the use of the DDT in Mexico was banned in 1999, the evaluated studies report significant levels of p, p'-DDE, in biological samples of serum, adipose tissue and maternal milk of populations not occupationally exposed. Also, there are evidences on damages to the health, specially related to the reproductive area, and more recently damages at cellular level, as well as, alteration in the psychomotor development of children exposed in uterus. Even though many gaps exist concerning the other adverse effects on health, relating to DDT exposure and its metabolites, experience accumulated at this point, must be taken into account in Mexico and the rest from Latin America, so that following this precautionary principle they should legislate against DDT and other persistent organic contaminants with characteristics similar to those of DDT and its metabolites.
Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Morelos, México. ltorress@correo.insp.mx
Luisa
L
Torres-Sánchez
Lizbeth
L
López-Carrillo
D003634:DDT / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003633:Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico
D003633:Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene; D003634:DDT