Levels of dichloro-dyphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) metabolites in maternal milk and their determinant factors

To document the levels and the determinants of dichloro-dyphenyl-trichloroe thane (DDT) metabolites in maternal milk, we conducted a cohort study of 50 adult females who lived in Mexico City. We measured social and dietary cha racteristics via interview. Levels of DDT metabolites were determined by ga s-liquid chromatography. The mean values (lipid milk basis) were 0.162 ppm p,p'-DDT; 0.138 ppm o,p'-DDT; and 0.594 ppm 2,2(6is)p-chlorophyenyl-1-1-dic hloroethylene (DDE). The main determinants of DDT metabolites were maternal age, lifetime lactation, history of living in an agricultural area, and co nsumption of salted meat and fish. We estimated that 6.0% of the breast-fed babies had daily intakes of DDT above the level of 0.005 mg/kg . d recomme nded by the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (WHO/FAO). Health-outcomes research among children is ne eded, and investigators should design or adjust current surveillance progra ms.