Determination of Mirex in human blood serum containing polychlorinated biphenyls by using packed column gas chromatography.

An analytical method has been developed that uses electron capture/gas-liquid chromatography to determine Mirex in serum containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Aroclor 1260). With this method, 0.2 ppb Mirex can be determined in 4 mL serum that also contains 10 ppb PCBs. The method provides approximately 70% recovery of Mirex at 1.0 and 3.5 ppb. The coefficients of variation are 4.5 and 4.6% at 1.0 and 3.5 ppb, respectively. In a cooperative study with the Ohio Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control used this method to determine the extent of exposure of Salem, OH, residents to Mirex. Confirmation of Mirex was obtained by using high resolution gas chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry.