Ecochemistry of Bhc in Czechoslovakia

The 'ecochemistry' of BHC and other chlorinated insecticides in soil, surface waters, in selected foodstuffs of plant and animal origin, in human milk and other human materials (fat and the uterus content after an artificial abortion), has been studied. The investigations were accomplished in three regions in Slovakia: two regions with an intensive predominating agricultural production and one submountain country with a prevalence of meadows and pastures. Each year 50—60 samples of 13 kinds of materials were examined on the basis of a special questionary. In all the investigated samples -, J3and 'y-isomers of BHC were found in addition to lindane. Relations between the cumulation of 'yand f3-BHC in different media show the effect of a retarded cumulation, and elimination of 13-BHC in animal foodstuffs. This effect was expressed in human materials, where the content of the n-isomer clearly exceeds the content of the y-isomer. The results also show a gradual shift of the DDT-contamination on lindane. The authors finally present a survey of the connection between the embryonic exposure and post mortem levels of pesticides, and the degree of the use of pesticides in different regions. New scientific knowledge has become available during recent years, particularly in respect to the health effects of chemical agents in various environmental media, to their pathways from the environment to man, to methods of detection of these hazards in the environment, and to the priorities of research. Biomedical research on the effects of pesticides in man has never been undertaken as extensively from an ecochemic, toxicologic and epidemiologic viewpoint as has been done in the last few years. The experimental designs and methodologic approaches used recently reflect a sophistication that has offered promising leads for exploration and has provided results of significant importance. In the report given by the Director-General of WHO Mahier' to the 27th World Health Assembly we can read the following statement: 'While the approach of the past, i.e. to deal separately with problems of air, water, food and the home and work environment is still valid as regards legislation, and planning and enforcement of programmes of environmental control, it is now recognized that only a comprehensive view of ecology and the effects on man of adverse conditions in the total environment will provide an adequate basis for the assessment and prevention of long-term environmental risks to which man is exposed.'