Maternal organochlorine pesticide levels and their potential impact on women and newborns in Armenia

This study is part of an ongoing assessment of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) levels in the breast milk of rural women from different regions of Armenia to examine potential impacts on reproductive function and newborns. Breast milk samples (<i>n</i> = 266) from randomly selected mothers from the Aragatsotn region (1993-2000) were analyzed for OCPs: gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD). Samples collected during the study year were analyzed in the same year using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The results are presented as mean OCP levels in μg/L of whole milk and were compared between two subgroups: unexposed (<i>n</i> = 48) and exposed (<i>n</i> = 218), depending on birth order, anthropometric parameters of newborns, pregnancy and delivery course, etc. The predominant pollutants were p,p-DDE and γ-HCH. In primiparous women, p,p'-DDE level was 3% higher than in multiparous women. Pregnancy and childbirth complications were observed more frequently in the exposed group, but no significant differences were found. Maternal OCP concentrations were not associated with effects on fetal growth and birth sex ratio. This study contributes to the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on POPs by providing long-term data on OCP levels in breast milk and their potential impact, thereby contributing to sustainable development in Armenia.