Residues of p,p '-DDT and hexachlorobenzene in human milk from Indonesian women

Milk from Indonesian women (n = 4) was analysed for p,p'-DDT and the fungic ide, hexachlorobenzene (HCB). p,p' -DDT was found in all of the samples and at levels that are amongst the highest reported anywhere in the world in 3 of the samples. HCB was found in all 4 samples, 1 sample had an exceptiona lly high level. The high residue of HCB suggested exposure by eating dresse d grain, major environmental contamination or direct exposure when handling the fungicide. These are the first data on pesticide residues in milk from Indonesian women which demonstrate general exposure to p,p'-DDT and HCB.