HCH and DDT residues in human fat in the population of Murcia (Spain).

In the Mediterranean province of Murcia (SE Spain) around 610,000 hectares of land are devoted to agriculture and organochlorine insecticide use has been common in the region for many years. To investigate HCH and DDT (isomers and metabolites) residues, a total of 231 fat samples were taken from the general population and analyzed. Organochlorine residues were found in 63.2 % of the samples. The pattern of overspreading by these substances in this part of the world is similar to that described by different authors in other countries. p,p'-DDE, beta-HCH and lindane residues, in this order, show the highest occurrence in the region and also the highest mean levels. Areas devoted to greenhouses, traditional dry farming of paprika pepper, and traditional horticultural cultivation are the most contaminated. Therefore, the past use of DDT and the actual employment of lindane seem to be reflected in the residents of these areas.