Monitoring Chlorinated Pesticides and Toxic Elements in Tissues of Food-Producing Animals in Yugoslavia

Abstract

Abstract According to the established monitoring program in Yugoslavia, 941 swine, 561 cattle, and 358 lamb samples collected during a 5-year period were analyzed for chlorinated pesticide residues. Less than 10% of the examined samples contained residues of HCB (hexachlorobenzene), HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), lindane (ɤ-hexachlorocyclohexane), and total DDT (p,p′-DDT and metabolites) at concentrations greater than the lowest detectable limit. None of the swine and cattle samples exceeded the residue limit (RL). Among lamb samples, 2.5% contained lindane residues exceeding the RL, with a mean of 4.75 mg/kg. This finding suggests lindane's improper use as a veterinary pesticide, probably as a sheep-dip for destroying ectoparasites. During the same period, 849 swine, 584 cattle, and 350 lamb samples also were analyzed for toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, and As). In the majority of samples, toxic elements were present at levels less than 50% of RLs. Only Cd and Pb RLs were exceeded in several cases. Differences in trace element contents of samples from different animals were not significant. The data indicate that residues in tissues of food-producing animals do not have a great potential impact on public health.