Australian children being exposed to increasing levels of DDT in breastmilk

Monday, 05 July 1999 10:00

"According to the latest 1996 Australian Market Basket Survey (AMBS) produced by the Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA), levels of total DDT in breast milk have been steadily increasing by approximately 0.005 mg/kg each year since 1992, said Ms Jo Immig, Chemicals Campaigner, Total Environment Centre.

"No explanation is given by ANZFA as to why DDT levels in breast milk are increasing, but clearly Australian children are being exposed to a greater body burden of DDT from breast milk in 1999 than they were in 1992," Ms Immig said.

"TEC has thoroughly examined the AMBS and discovered the commonly used fruit and vegetable insecticide, Dicofol, is by far the most significant organochlorine poison occurring in the 'average Australian diet'. Dicofol is related to DDT in its chemical structure and can contain up to 1g/kg of DDT and/or DDT-related compounds as contaminates in pesticide formulations. Dicofol might as well be DDT, it's so similar."

"Researchers in Canada have discovered that measurable levels of DDT have been found in about 30% of samples of amniotic fluid of unborn babies. Rachel Carson in her visionary book Silent Spring first raised the alarm about the long-term health and environmental effects of DDT because of its ability to bio-accumulate in body fat and up the food chain. DDT is a recognised carcinogen and causes reproductive effects".

"The Material Safety Data Sheet for Dicofol states that 'repeated or long term exposure could result in liver and nervous system effects and possible adrenal, kidney and heart injury'. Scientists don't know yet what will happen to children who are exposed to DDT and related chemicals their whole life, but it is seriously worrying given the reputation of DDT."

"Australian authorities must take all precautions to ensure exposure to DDT is minimised. If this means banning chemicals like Dicofol, and any other insecticides containing DDT, then that is what should occur immediately," Ms Immig concluded.