Spatial Distribution and Accumulation of Organohalogen Compounds in Human Breast Milk from the Philippines

Abstract—Organohalogen compounds that enter the human body from the external environment—food, water, and air—are the sources for our biologic composition. The present study determined the concentrations of organohalogen compounds such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), tris (4-chlorophenyl) methane (TCPMe), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in human breast milk samples from the Philippines. The detection of these compounds in all the samples analyzed indicates that widespread contamination in the Philippines. DDTs and PCBs were the predominantly identified compounds. PBDEs in the Philippines are higher than those in Japan and many other Asian countries. In the case of HBCDs, this is the first comprehensive monitoring research on human breast milk in Asian developing countries. No statistical difference was observed for the organohalogen compounds between dumping and reference sites. Primipara mothers had significantly higher organochlorines (DDTs, CHLs and HCHs) than multipara mothers, but this phenomenon was not observed for PBDEs and HBCDs, probably because of their continuous exposure and ongoing usage at present. A few individuals accumulated CHLs close to or even higher than the TDI (Tolerable Daily Intake) guidelines proposed by Health Canada