Estimation of children exposure to organochlorine compounds through milk in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The presence of organochlorine pesticides (α-HCH, lindane, aldrin, HCB, pp′-DDE, op′-DDD, pp′-DDD, and op′–DDT) and PCBs (congeners 10, 28, 52, 138, and 180) were investigated in raw, pasteurized, and UHT milk from Rio Grande do Sul State (Brazil). Considering the toxicity of these compounds and the importance of milk and dairy products for child nutrition, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of these compounds, through milk, by elementary school children of Santa Maria (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) was also determined. HCB and pp′-DDE were found in all samples analyzed. pp′-DDE (11.9 ng/g), op′-DDD (7.38 ng/g), lindane (6.09 ng/g), and PCB 180 (5.31 ng/g) were the compounds found at the highest average concentrations. The EDIs for organochlorine pesticides were below the acceptable daily intakes established by FAO/WHO. Furthermore, few samples exceeded the maximum residue limits for the compounds evaluated.