Levels of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its Metabolites in the Blood of Agrochemicals Retailers

Problem statement: In tropical countries like Nigeria, the storage, sales and handling of pesticide by agrochemical retailers in indoor stores located in open markets and residential areas were fraught with problem of undesirable side effect. Serum levels of 1, 1, 1-trichloro-2, 2-di (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and its metabolite were measured among agrochemicals retailers in Taraba, Nigeria. Approach: Blood samples from 50 retailers were taken and analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The retailers were group into five exposure duration based on their years of involvement in trade viz; 1-5 years, 6-10 years, 11-15 years, 16-20 years, ≥ 21 years. Results: Test detected 34 (50) retailers had residues of DDE, DDD, DDT and Aldrin in their blood. 68% of the retailers had DDE at mean concentration of 0.047 mg L^-1, ranged from n.d-0.0721 mg L^-1. 62% DDD (mean = 0.0101 mg L^-1, range = n.d-0.034 mg L^-1), 58% DDT (mean = 0.0120 mg L^-1, ranged = n.d-0.1120 mg L^-1) and 52% Aldrin (mean = 0.0045 mg L^-1, ranged = 0.0100-0.0265 mg L^-1), The total content DDT(sum of DDE, DDD and DDT ) in the whole blood samples was 0.062 mg L^-1 and ranged from 0.0008-0.185 mg L^-1. Dieldrin was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Conclusion: Despite the banned, the observed trend for all the DDTs and metabolites shows that retailers are occupationally exposed due to the sales and handling of agrochemicals in retailers’ stores. The need for stiff monitoring and enforcement by regulatory bodies is of paramount important.