Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene concentrations in umbilical cord of newborns and determinant maternal factors

Objective: The aim was to identify exposure levels to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and to assess maternal factors as determinants of the serum dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) concentration in umbilical cord in newborns from the Mexican Pacific coastal area of Oaxaca State. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 86 paired mothers and newborns from the Oaxaca community of Pochutla. Blood and umbilical cord blood samples were collected to determine DDT and DDE by GC. Information concerning possible determinant factors with regard to pesticide concentration was obtained by means of a questionnaire. Results: A positive correlation between maternal and umbilical cord serum DDE concentration was observed (geometric mean of 7.69 mu g g(-1) and 7.29, respectively). Multiple analyses showed that significant maternal factors related to umbilical cord serum DDE concentrations were: always having lived in the same community; low to high socioeconomic strata; accumulated breast-feeding time. Conclusions: The determinant factors observed in this study must be considered in future studies for the quantification of organochlorine concentration. In addition, these factors must be taken into account when preventive actions to minimize in utero exposure to these pesticides are carried out. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.