Chlorinated Pesticides Assessment

The Chlorinated Pesticides Profile measures the body burden of chlorinated pesticides, such as DDT. These chemicals are toxic and persistent (don’t readily break down). They are relatively insoluble in water, and bioaccumulate in fat. They are still used as a pesticide mainly for mosquito control in developing countries. In 2001, the Stockholm Convention banned the use of many organochlorine pesticides, but because they are persistent, they remain in our agricultural soils and cycle through the food chain through our fruits, vegetables, and drinking water. Those who are farmers or who live(d) near agricultural areas, and/or those with neurological complaints should have this test performed.

The compounds measured in this profile include: Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Heptachlor Epoxide, Oxychlordane, trans-Nonachlor, DDE (p,p1), DDT (p,p1), Dieldrin, and Mirex.