Exposure to Environmental Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) Among Rural Children in North Eastern China

Objective: To assess HCH and DDT exposure levels and associated risk factors among 262 children aged 6-10 years in a northeastern rural area of China between April and May of 2008.

Methods: Eight HCH and DDT metabolites in serum samples were monitored by gas chromatography. A questionnaire was administered to identify the sources of pesticides in children' serum samples.

Results: At least one pesticide metabolite was detected in 81.7% of the tested children. Higher amounts of pp'DDD were detected in 50% of them. Children's age and their father's occupation as farmers, together with not changing work clothes after work, were the main risk factors for HCH and DDT exposure among them.

Conclusion: Children living in rural areas are experiencing multiple sources of organochlorine pesticide exposure. These pesticides may have been retained in the environment for a long period of time.