Presence of Organochlorine pesticides in human blood, El Salvador

Abstract

Introduction. Organochlorine pesticides were widely used in public health campaigns and agricultural practices. Its use was restricted and in some cases prohibited when residues of these toxins were detected in fatty tissues of animals and people, as well as their excessive persistence in the environment. However, some of these pesticides are still in use, promoted, and stored in El Salvador. Objective. To identify the presence of organochlorine pesticides in serum samples stored in the National Laboratory of Public Health (LNSP). Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted over samples stored in the (NLPH) during the period from January to October 2018, which were analyzed by the gas chromatography method with electron microcapture detector (uECD). Results. Organochlorine pesticides were identified in 33 samples (34%), of which 28 were from men. Of the positive samples, 27 were from people older than 29 years. In the department of La Libertad (7), and San Salvador (6), a greater number of samples were identified positive for pesticides Dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane and lindane. Conclusions. The presence of some organochlorine pesticides was identified in the seroteca samples of the National Laboratory of Public Health, which indicates the population's exposure to pesticides in the environment, water and/or food.