Population characteristics of young African women influencing prenatal exposure to DDT (Manhiça, Mozambique)

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2013 May;20(5):3472-9. doi: 10.1007/s11356-012-1293-2. Epub 2012 Nov 22.

Abstract

The concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds in cord blood of 214 children born between 2003 and 2006 in Manhiça (Mozambique) have been determined. In this time interval, corresponding to the period before DDT reintroduction for indoor residual spraying, the observed values averaged 0.8 and 0.4 ng/ml for 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE) and 4,4'-DDT, respectively, and were similar to those found in western countries. However, the 4,4'-DDT/4,4'-DDE ratio was high indicating that the inputs of these compounds arriving to children in utero originated from recent uses of the insecticide. The strongest factor affecting DDT concentration was parity. A well-defined decreasing concentration trend was observed for the cord blood concentrations in the period of study. The trend was also observed for multiparae and primiparae mothers independently. Children from multiparae women showed much lower concentrations than primiparae women. Children from mothers with secondary school level exhibited lower concentrations of these pesticides than mothers with lower degree of education.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • DDT / blood*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Pollutants / blood*
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Insecticides / blood
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure*
  • Mozambique
  • Pesticide Residues / blood*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Insecticides
  • Pesticide Residues
  • DDT