Storage of DDT and BHC in adipose tissue of Indian males

Adipose tissue of 50 human subjects (10 to 60 years old) were taken from autopsy cases and analysed by gas-liquid chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector (3H +) for determination of storage levels of BHC (benzene hexa chloride), DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) and its metabolites DDE and DDD in human body fat. The data is reported according to age (length of exposure), dietetic habits and area of residence of the subjects. The results show relatively moderate exposure to DDT and BHC. Levels of residues were slightly higher in non-vegetarian and rural residents than those of their counterpart vegetarian and urban inhabitants. The study suggests that DDT levels in human adipose show a decreasing trend as compared to earlier report of Dale et al. of highest body burden of pesticides being present in indians.