[Organochlorine pesticides in the general adult population of Biscay (Spain)].
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.
Zubero
Miren Begoña
MB
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Bizkaia, España. txitea@gmail.com
Aurrekoetxea
Juan José
JJ
Ibarluzea
Jesús M
JM
Goñi
Fernando
F
López
Raúl
R
Etxeandia
Arsenio
A
Rodríguez
Carlos
C
Sáenz
José Ramón
JR
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
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010575:Pesticides