Analysis of selected organochlorine pesticides in honey samples from Poland: a pilot study

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were widely used in crop protection in the past. Due to their high chemical persistence and widespread presence in the environment, they have been classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Given their toxicological properties, dietary exposure to OCPs may lead to adverse health effects in humans.

The aim of this pilot study was to analyse selected obsolete OCPs (DDT, its metabolites and isomers, as well as dieldrin and heptachlor) in honey samples and to assess the associated health risks resulting from the intake of these compounds for children and adults.

The study included 79 honey samples collected from various regions of Poland. The samples were prepared using the modified QuEChERS method. The tested substances were determined in honey using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Health risk was characterized using a deterministic method by comparing the intake of the residues from a large portion of honey with toxicological reference values. A conservative approach was used to estimate short-term exposure using 0.5 × LOQ (limit of quantification) values for substances detected at levels below the LOQ.

None of the OCPs analysed were detected above their LOQs. Only in two samples, p,p'-DDE and dieldrin, were detected at levels above the method's limit of detection (LOD). The results indicate a negligible health risk for consumers associated with the intake of these substances from honey.

The results indicate that levels of tested organochlorine pesticides in honey are low. The risk associated with exposure to the analysed OCPs, at the assumed levels, through the consumption of honey available in Poland can be considered negligible.