Human pesticide blood levels as a measure of body burden and pesticide exposure

Studies have been conducted on the variability and utility of whole blood and plasma organochlorine pesticide concentration measurements in man. Concentrations of p,p′-DDE, dieldrin, and β-hexachlorocyclohexane are remarkably consistent throughout the day. Minor increases in p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT serum concentrations were observed promptly following the ingestion of the evening meal. In random autopsy specimens, good correlations were found between blood and fat concentrations of p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH). The concentrations of these insecticides in plasma, when measured in 5 individuals repeatedly throughout a work week, were also remarkably consistent. Plasma pesticide measurements are preferred to whole blood measurements. Compared to United States residents, markedly elevated blood concentrations of β-HCH were observed in graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who had come from Formosa and Japan. Apparently, concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in the blood are in equilibrium with those in the tissue and measurement constitutes a highly useful and readily obtainable means of estimating body burdens and exposure.