[Chlorinated hydrocarbons in the daily diet]

The gas chromatographic analysis of the daily diets (without beverages) of men consuming at maximum 4000 kcal per day, in spring, summer and autumn 1971, revealed always residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons. With an average food amount of 1635 g per day, each subject (having an average body weight of 65 kg) ingested 105 mug of DDT, 20 mug of DDE, 20 mug of DDD, and 149 mug of total DDT and 10 mug of lindane, respectively. The contamination was inferior to the ADI values recommended by the WHO/FAO. From winter 1971 to autumn 1972, the authors also analysed the daily diets (including beverages) of 1-3-year-old children (having an average body weight of 12 kg) in a week-nursery. The average food amount of 1230 g per day contained 42 mug of DDT, 12 mug of DDE, 8 mug of DDD, and 64 mug of total DDT and 7 mug of lindane, respectively. From these values a total DDT intake of 5.3 mug/kg of body weight was calculated which exceeds the ADI value for adults. The claim for a zero tolerance for victuals and ready-to-use baby foods is corroborated. Consequently the complete replacement of DDT by other insecticides is a measure which is imperative not only from the viewpoint of prophylaxis but also from that of health policy.