title: [Organochlorine pesticides in the general adult population of Biscay (Spain)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify and analyze levels of seven organochlorine pesticides [hexachlorobenzene (HCB), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), heptachlor epoxide, beta-endosulfan, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT)] in the serum of adults of four areas of Biscay (Spain) not exposed to known sources of pesticides.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed 283 individual samples from volunteers recruited from the census. The volunteers were interviewed using a questionnaire with items on demographic variables and consumption. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test for discrete variables and analysis of variance and multiple linear regression models for continuous variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We detected p,p'-DDE in 100% of the volunteers (mean: 191.43ng/g lipid), while 31% had detectable levels of p,p'-DDT (mean: 18.9ng/g lipid). Detectable levels of HCB were found in 96.5% of the volunteers (mean: 78.56ng/g lipid), β-HCH in 90.4% (mean: 42.78ng/g lipid) and γ-HCH in 3.5%. Heptachlor epoxide and beta-endosulfan were not detected. In the regression model higher levels of all pesticides were found with increasing age (p<0.05). There were no significant differences by area of residence, except for HCB and p,p'-DDE. Women had significantly higher levels of HCB and β-HCH (p<0.001). Body mass index showed a significant positive gradient in HCB and β-HCH (p<0.05). There was no association between pesticides and other variables, breast feeding, occupation or social class.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate that the general adult population of Biscay has been and is exposed to organochlorine pesticides. However, their levels are within the range observed by other authors.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Bizkaia, España. txitea@gmail.com
authors.forename: Miren Begoña
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Zubero
authors.forename: Juan José
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Aurrekoetxea
authors.forename: Jesús M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ibarluzea
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Goñi
authors.forename: Raúl
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: Arsenio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Etxeandia
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: José Ramón
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sáenz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010575:Pesticides / Q000097:blood*; D013030:Spain; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010575:Pesticides