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Serum DDT in malaria vector control sprayers in Mato Grosso State, Brazil
Eliana Freire Gaspar de Carvalho Dores1, Leandro Carbo, Adley Bergson Gonçalves de Abreu
1Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, 78060-900, Brasil. eliana@cpd.ufmt.br
Cadernos De Saude Publica
|May 24, 2003
Summary
Occupational exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in Mato Grosso, Brazil, showed elevated blood concentrations in exposed workers. DDT levels varied regionally, with higher p,p'DDT found in Sinop due to recent intensive use.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was extensively utilized for vector control in Mato Grosso, Brazil, until 1997.
- Understanding the long-term impact of DDT exposure on human health is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify DDT concentrations in blood samples from workers in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
- To compare DDT levels between occupationally exposed groups (sprayers, drivers) and unexposed individuals.
- To investigate regional variations in DDT levels within Mato Grosso.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 41 sprayers, 20 drivers, and 14 unexposed workers in Sinop and Ceres regions.
- Serum DDT, p,p'DDE, and total DDT levels were analyzed.
- Statistical comparisons were made between occupational groups and geographical regions.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in serum DDT levels was observed between sprayers and drivers in either region.
- p,p'DDE and total DDT levels did not differ significantly between Sinop and Ceres.
- Higher p,p'DDT levels were detected in Sinop, correlating with recent intensive insecticide use in that area.
- Total DDT levels ranged from undetected to 875.5 µg/L in exposed workers, compared to a median of 22.5 µg/L in unexposed individuals.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to DDT results in detectable blood concentrations among vector control workers in Mato Grosso.
- Regional differences in DDT use patterns can influence specific metabolite levels.
- Continued monitoring of DDT levels in exposed populations is warranted.