Content of chlorinated pesticides in human semen of a random population

Residues of chlorinated pesticides--BHC isomers, DDT isomers, HCB and DMDT--in samples of human semen have been determined. Samples of semen were collected from a random population of patients sent to our department for the evaluation of their fertilizing ability. The contents of 50 samples of semen were analyzed individually for residues of chlorinated pesticides and their metabolites by gas-liquid chromatography. Of BHC isomers detected in the analyzed samples of semen, the highest absolute values were shown for epsilon-BHC (mean 0.005 microgram/g of sample). DMDT, op'DDT and pp'DDt were not detected in the studied samples. DDE was found in 20 samples on the average level of 0.003 microgram/g.