Levels of DDT residues in human milk of Venezuelan women from various rural populations

The levels of DDT residues were studied in 145 breast milk samples 25 days postpartum from women living in various rural populations where DDT has been used in farming activities and to interrupt malaria transmission. All participants showed quantifiable milk levels of DDT residues in the range from 5.1 to 68.3 mu g/l and their levels significantly increased (P < 0.05) with maternal age. The determination of DDT residues (as DDE) in human milk was performed after a saponification process by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. Confirmatory analysis was achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detection.