Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in breast milk from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Hum Exp Toxicol. 2003 Feb;22(2):73-6. doi: 10.1191/0960327103ht321oa.

Abstract

HCH isomers, endosulfan, malathion, chlorpyrifos, and methyl-parathion were monitored in human milk samples from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The endosulfan concentrations were highest and exceeded the sigma-HCH, chlorpyrifos, and malathion concentrations by 3.5-, 1.5-, and 8.4-fold, respectively. Through breast milk, infants consumed 8.6 times more endosulfan and 4.1 times more malathion than the average daily intake levels recommended by the World Health Organization. A correlation analysis (r values) between mothers' age and the content of the chemicals accumulated in breast milk indicated a substantial degree of correlation for malathion (r = 0.5). The other chemicals showed low to negligible correlation with donor age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated*
  • India
  • Insecticides / analysis*
  • Maximum Allowable Concentration
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Organophosphorus Compounds*
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Insecticides
  • Organophosphorus Compounds