Organochlorine pesticide residues in human milk samples from Comarca Lagunera, Mexico, 1976.

Milk samples were obtained from 15 nursing mothers in the agricultural region of Comarca Lagunera, Mexico, and were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues. Nine different types of residues were found. Of these, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, and beta-BHC occurred most frequently. All samples had concentrations of DDT-derived compounds higher than the practical limit recommended by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization for DDT in cows' milk. Residues of other chlorinated hydrocarbons were present at levels similar to those found in human milk in other developing countries.