Abstract
An increase of chlordane contamination in humans after termite treatment of their homes was investigated by analyzing human milk samples of breast-feeding women. Chlordane in human milk was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the concentrations were compared between women living in termite-treated and non-treated houses. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were also analyzed on the same samples and the result was discussed in relation to the concentration of chlordane.
Mean concentrations of six chlordane components of the exposed group were three times higher on the average than those of the control group. When the duration of dwelling was less than one year, however, chlordane levels of the treated group were similar to those of the control.
A proportional correlation was observed between the concentration of total chlordane and the duration (years) after the termite treatment of the home. The pattern of chlordane components observed in the milk of the exposed group resembled that of technical chlordane, a commercial product. Chlordane compounds were so stable and persistent in the treated homes that continuous accumulation into the dwellers persisted for at least five years after treatment.
The levels of total chlordane in the milk samples of the control group were very low compared to PCB levels. However, when duration of dwelling after termite treatment expanded for two years or longer, chlordane in the milk increased to a level similar to PCB.
A close correlation between concentrations of chlordane and PCB of the non-treated group was observed. This fact suggested that a main source of chlordane exposure for the general population was marine products. However, in the case of the treated group, chlordane exposure was inferred to be derived from the inhalation of a contaminated atmosphere in the homes or absorption of chlordane via the skin or uptake of foods contaminated in the homes.
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Taguchi, S., Yakushiji, T. Influence of termite treatment in the home on the chlordane concentration in human milk. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 17, 65–71 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055155
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055155