Insecticide exposure of mothers and newborns in a rural agricultural area.

Pregnant women in a rural agricultural area were found to have levels of residues of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in their serum which were comparable to those found in occupationally exposed men. Cord blood of offspring also had significant residue levels. Residues were higher in blacks and in mothers living in rural areas where exposure was more intense. In newborns no signs or symptoms compatible with acute chlorinated hydrocarbon poisoning were found. Despite the lack of DDT use during most of the study period, over 90% of the mothers. 84% of the black newborns, and 45% of the white newborns demonstrated evidence of recent DDT exposure.