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 metabolize to other forms or are readily excreted were found at low levels or not detected. Data on age, sex, area of residence, occupation, diet and weight were obtained by interview. Increasing age was related to increasing 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 pesticides than other subjects. Although population-based surveys of these organochlorine pesticides in human tissue may have little value, further study may be warranted for groups known to have had high exposures (e.g. occupationally exposed).