Clinical and laboratorial adverse effects from exposition to organochlorine pesticides in inhabitants of dump site in Cubatao, S.P

The purpose of this study was to describe the possible clinical and laboratorial alterations as well as its conceivable effects that could be attributed to organochlorine pesticides exposure in people living in open dumps sites in Piloes - Cubatao District, Sao Paulo State. This is an observatory study performed in the population of 238 inhabitants of Piloes, and in comparison to a control population of 258 people living in Cota 200. Foods from local growers were analyzed. Routine basic and specific laboratory exams and clinical evaluation were performed for diagnosis purpose, and organochlorine pesticides detection in blood serum samples were carried out. Hexachlorobenzene was the main organochlorinated substance found in foods at levels varying from 0.3 to 6120 mu g/kg. Positive association was found between living in Piloes and the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides residues in blood serum. Hexachlorobenzene medium concentrations in blood serum were 115.7, 20, and 4 times higher than HCB, pp' DDE, beta and gamma HCH, respectively, when compared to control group. The people living in Piloes showed statistically significant association between blood medium contents of high HCB levels and leucopeny; between DDT and total HCH rates and altered clinical exams; between total DDT level and occurrence of circulatory system diseases; and between of total HCH level and presence of skin diseases. The data observed in the present study indicated the risk in getting diverse diseases on account of the exposure to organochlorinated pesticides. Owing to the poor health environments the Piloes population was transferred to live in another place.