The Organochlorine Insecticide Content of Human Tissues

Samples of brain tissues, liver, and adipose tissue were collected during 11 routine autopsies in Holland, and samples of brain tissues were collected in a further 18 autopsies. Analysis of these samples showed that the mean concentrations of HEOD were: white matter of brain, 0.0061 ppm; grey matter of brain, 0.0047 ppm; liver, 0.03 ppm; adipose tissue, 0.17 ppm. The corresponding concentrations of total equivalent DDT were: 0.023 ppm; 0.020 ppm; 0.11 and 1.75 ppm, respectively. In addition average residues of 0.10 ppm lindane and 0.0085 ppm heptachlor epoxide were found in adipose tissue. The mean concentration of dieldrin (HEOD) in white matter of brain was significantly greater than that in grey matter. Significant correlations were found between the concentrations of the insecticides in the various tissues.