Continuous surveillance of organochlorine compounds in human breast milk from 1972 to 1998 in Osaka, Japan

Citation
Y. Konishi et al., Continuous surveillance of organochlorine compounds in human breast milk from 1972 to 1998 in Osaka, Japan, ARCH ENV C, 40(4), 2001, pp. 571-578
Citations number
31
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology,"Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
ISSN journal
0090-4341 → ACNP
Volume
40
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
571 - 578
Database
ISI
SICI code
0090-4341(200105)40:4<571:CSOOCI>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
The presence of chlorinated organic compounds in breast milk of lactating w omen living in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, has been followed since 1972. Follo wing the highest concentration found at the start of the measurements, cont amination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides , such as P-HCH and DDT declined to about 3-13% of the peak levels by the m id-1970s and continued to decrease to low-level equilibrium states. This de cline varies greatly with the chemical compound. In comparison with 1970s, when the contamination of breast milk was highest, the P-HCH level fell to about 3%, DDT to about 7%, and PCBs to about 13%, representative of differe nt half-lives in the environment and the particular persistence of PCB. In the case of chlordane, a termite insecticide, more than 10 years have passe d since its use was prohibited in Japan, but it continues to be found in hu man breast milk, although at a low level.