CONCENTRATIONS OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN THE ADIPOSE-TISSUE OF BRITISH-COLUMBIA RESIDENTS

Adipose tissue from a sample of 41 British Columbians was analyzed for a number of organochlorine pesticides. Pesticide concentrations were very low. Persistent fat-soluble compounds like DDT were found at the highest concentrations, whereas compounds that either quickly metaboli ze to other forms or are readily excreted were found at low levels or not detected. Data on age, sex, area of residence, occupation, diet an d weight were obtained by interview. Increasing age was related to inc reasing levels of several of the persistent pesticides. Although there were insufficient data for statistical analysis, two individuals with potential occupational exposures had much higher levels of the pestic ides than other subjects. Although population-based surveys of these o rganochlorine pesticides in human tissue may have little value. furthe r study may be warranted for groups known to have had high exposures ( e.g. occupationally exposed).