Determination of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Cukurova region is one of the most important agricultural sites of Turkey and approximately %32 of agrochemicals is consumed in this region. In this study, it was aimed to monitor the chronic exposure of organochlorine pesticide.Death cases having no history of intoxication were taken in the scope of the study. Organochlorine pesticide residues in human adipose tissue of 82 cases that autopsied at the Morgue Department of Adana Branch of the Council of Forensic Medicine, were investigated by GC (ECD). Of all cases, 14 were female, and 68 were male and the average age was 40.51Results were calculated based on extracted fat from females. The average results (±S.D) for females and males were as follows; For females: HCB 5.47 ± 6.21, ?-BHC 11.27±9.89, ß-BHC 3.99±5.36, ?-BHC 12.13±10.19, p,p-DDE 106.68 ±90.31, o,p-DDT 1.09±0.0, p,p-DDT 8.49±10.54, ?-DDT 113.43 ±94.99 ppb. For males: HCB 5.32 ±5.57, ?-BHC 6.96±5.86, ß-BHC 1.22 ±0.94, ?-BHC 4.65 ±5.67, o,p-DDT 1.41 ±0.59, p,p-DDE 41.07 ±38.45, o,p-DDT 2.34 ±0.15, p,p-DDT 3.31 ±3.33, ?-DDT 44.02 ±40.33 ppb.The relationships between the age, gender, and body mass indexes of cases, and the accumulation of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues were also investigated.The obtained results were compared to the results of studies conducted in countries where pesticide use is prohibited or allowed and with similar studies performed in our country. Since there has not any similar study, previously performed, in our region, we were unable to compare the results within our region. Our work is highly significant, being the first study pointing out the chronic exposure to organochlorine pesticides in our region.The significance of our results would be evaluated in terms of generating a database for future research on this subject, drawing attention of authorities, and providing a serious data for public health policies in our country.