The Human Health Effects of DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and PCBS (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and an Overview of Organochlorines in Public Health

Abstract

Organochlorines are a diverse group of persistent synthetic compounds, some of which are detectable in nearly everyone. Many organochlorines are endocrine disruptors or carcinogens in experimental assays. p,p -DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) comprise the bulk of organochlorine residues in human tissues. We reviewed relevant human data cited in the 1991-1995 Medline database and elsewhere. High-level exposure to selected organochlorines appears to cause abnormalities of liver function, skin (chloracne), and the nervous system. Of more general interest, however, is evidence suggesting insidious effects of background exposure. Of particular concern is the finding of neonatal hypotonia or hyporeflexia in relation to PCB exposure. The epidemiologic data reviewed, considered in isolation, provide no convincing evidence that organochlorines cause a large excess number of cancers. A recent risk assessment

Serum organochlorines and breast cancer: a case–control study among African-American women

“…It is possible the relevant organochlorine exposure measure for breast cancer risk might be the woman's body burden at critical periods of breast susceptibility and that current levels do not represent these exposures. Both lactation and body mass index impact levels of organochlorine compounds (6,7). We found no evidence that either factor influenced any relationship of PCBs or DDE and breast cancer risk.…”

“…The organochlorine residues present at the highest concentrations in human adipose tissue, breast milk and blood are dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE), the metabolite of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and the non-pesticide class of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (6). Extensive evidence exists from animal studies of the carcinogenicity of DDT, DDE and PCBs (7).…”

“…Extensive evidence exists from animal studies of the carcinogenicity of DDT, DDE and PCBs (7). Exposure to DDT and PCBs in mice has each resulted in an increased incidence of cancers of the liver and lung, as well as of lymphoma and leukemia (6,8,9). Experimental studies have also shown that DDT and some PCBs have estrogenic properties while other PCBs are antiestrogenic (5).…”

Organochlorine and heavy metals in newborns: Results from the Flemish Environment and Health Survey (FLEHS 2002–2006)

“…OCs are a diverse group of persistent synthetic compounds, with p,p′-DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprising the bulk of OC residues in human tissues (Longnecker et al, 1997). Human tissue levels of OCs clearly indicate, that exposure of the general population declined from the seventies onwards.…”

Organizational and activational effects of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals

“…These endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) include many naturally occurring or synthetic chemicals that are proposed to share a common mode of action by interfering with the normal molecular circuitry and function of the endocrine system. EDCs of varying potency may be present in the environment, and exposure to these substances may be related to adverse effects reported in wildlife and humans (Colborn et al, 1996;Cooper & Kavlock, 1997;Hose & Guillette, 1995;Longnecker et al, 1997;McLachlan & Arnold, 1996;NRC, 1999;Toppari & Skakkebaek, 1998).…”