Studies on concentration of halogen derivatives in herbal products from various regions of Poland

The studies covered evaluation of levels of halogen derivative pesticides (p,p'-DDT and its metabolites p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDE, as well as HCH, DMDT, aldrin and dieldrin) in herbal raw materials picked up in various regions of Poland in 1983. Qualitative analyses have been carried out with the TLC method whereas for quantitative analyses the GLC method has been applied. It has been found that the most frequently occurring are p,p'-DDT and its metabolites. The highest concentrations of these compounds have been observed in herbs from Lower Silesia and from the Bydgoszcz regions. Also in the region of Białystok concentrations of these compounds are generally higher than in other parts of Poland. Other pesticides have been found in a lesser number of herbal raw materials and in considerably lower concentrations.