DDTs, PCBs and PBDEs contamination in Africa, Latin America and South-southeast Asia—a review

Abstract

Levels of polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its degradation products (DDTs) in the environment (ambient air, soil and aquatic mammals) and in humans from the developing regions (Africa, Latin America, and South-southeast Asia) are reviewed. Higher DDTs levels in certain parts of the developing regions due to agricultural applications and disease control measures are evident. The data however do not indicate higher levels of PCBs and PBDEs in the developing regions compared to developed countries. We also compared globally the levels of these chemicals in human milk sampled since year 2000. Human milk data again showed higher DDTs levels in the developing regions. For PBDEs, though current levels in human milk from the developing regions do not exceed levels found in the developed countries, data suggest the levels of PBDEs in the developing regions may be on the rise.