Association between Lung Function in Adults and Plasma DDT and DDE Levels: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane] has been banned in many countries since the 1970s, it may still pose a risk to human respiratory health. In agriculture, DDT exposures have been associated with asthma and chronic bronchitis. However, little is known about the effect of DDT on lung function.MethodsWe used data on 1,696 participants 20–79 years of age from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and conducted multiple regression analysis to estimate associations between plasma p,p´-DDT/DDE and lung function.ResultsAlmost all participants (> 99.0%) had detectable concentrations of plasma p,p´-DDE, but only 10.0% had detectable p,p´-DDT. Participants with detectable p,p´-DDT had significantly lower mean FVC (difference = 311 mL; 95% CI: –492, –130; p = 0.003) and FEV1 (difference = 232 mL; 95% CI: –408, –55; p = 0.015) than those without. A 100-ng/g lipid increase in plasma p,p´-DDE was associated with an 18.8-mL decrease in mean FVC (95% CI: –29, –9) and an 11.8-mL decrease in mean FEV1 (95% CI: –21, –3). Neither exposure was associated with FEV1/FVC ratio or FEF25%–75%.ConclusionsDDT exposures, which may have occurred decades ago, were still detectable among Canadians. Plasma DDT and DDE were negatively associated with lung function parameters. Additional research on the potential effects of DDT use on lung function is warranted.CitationYe M, Beach J, Martin JW, Senthilselvan A. 2015. Association between lung function in adults and plasma DDT and DDE levels: results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Environ Health Perspect 123:422–427; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408217

Body Burden of Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethene (DDE) and Childhood Pulmonary Function

“…Our finding that DDE affects pulmonary function in children is in agreement with two other investigations in adults, one from Denmark and one from Canada [ 21 , 22 ]. Both cohorts adjusted for height.…”

“…However, the odds of airway obstruction (defined as FEV1/FVC < 75%) were higher among offspring whose mothers had higher polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, or DDE serum levels [ 21 ]. A Canadian study ( n = 1696) of adults aged 20–79 years of age demonstrated that lipid-adjusted DDE plasma concentrations were associated with a decline in FVC and FEV1 but not FEV1/FVC [ 22 ]. We are not aware of any investigation on DDE exposure and pulmonary function in children.…”

The outcome and the influencing factors of the age of onset in post-mortem of chronic bronchitis patients: a retrospective study

“…An investigation of community-dwelling individuals aged 40–80 years found that the incidence of chronic bronchitis was 12.7%, 12 and other studies observed similar results. 13 , 14 Though smoking is the most important risk factor, low socioeconomic class and urban living, 10 , 15 gender, asthma history, 16 changes in living habits, 14 odor or the musty smell of mildew/mold in the house, exposure to 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 49 body mass index, 17 and air pollution 18 play roles in the development of chronic bronchitis. Studies have demonstrated that aging (especially >50 years old) is also a high risk factor for chronic bronchitis.…”

Pulmonary health effects of agriculture

“…DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis[4-chlorophenyl]ethane) was banned worldwide in 2004 (subsequent to its discontinued use and/or banning beginning in the 1970’s). Still, recent results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey highlight the potential long-term harmful effects of this chemical that can persist in soil for decades [8]. In this report, DDT or its breakdown product DDE (1,1-bis-[4-chlorophenyl]-2,2-dichloroethene) were still readily detectable in nearly all participants (not selecting for pesticide use/exposure); while DDE plasma levels dose-dependently correlated with FEV 1 reductions.…”