Assessment of the Levels of DDT and its Metabolites in Soil and Dust Samples from Chiapas, Mexico

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of DDT and its metabolites in two environmental matrices (soil and dust) in five communities in Chiapas, Mexico. DDT and its metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The soil levels of total DDT ranged from non detectable (< LOD) to 26.98 mg/kg, while in dust samples the levels ranged from non detectable (< LOD) to 2,119.8 mg/kg. Several studies have identified soil and dust as important pathways of toxicant exposure. Whether the people living in our study area are at risk is an issue that deserves further analysis.