Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs)
Diagnostics and Chemical Markers of Exposure
The Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch develops and performs unique laboratory tests to measure organic environmental chemicals in people. Examples of available laboratory tests are shown in the table above. It lists the most common names for these chemicals, and their Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Numbers. Many of the chemicals, however, go by alternative names. Please visit the National Library of Medicine ChemID database websiteexternal icon and enter the chemical’s CAS Number. The page displayed after this search will include the chemical’s structure, and alternative names.
Laboratory Methods Panels
CDC’s laboratory methods are intended to evaluate population exposures and to support states in situations considered a public health concern. Please see the “Methods’ Access” tab in the tables found after clicking on each of the listed chemicals for additional information regarding these methods. Currently, CDC’s Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch does not have the capability of generating pilot or preliminary results in support of proposals to obtain public or private funds for a larger project.
| Chemical | Specimen Type |
|---|---|
| b-Hexachlorocyclohexane CAS No. 319-85-7 |
serum or plasma |
| g-Hexachlorocyclohexane CAS No. 58-89-9 |
serum or plasma |
| Hexachlorobenzene CAS No. 118-74-1 |
serum or plasma |
| Mirex CAS No. 2385-85-5 |
serum or plasma |
| pp-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane CAS No. 50-29-3 |
serum or plasma |
| op-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane CAS No. 789-02-6 |
serum or plasma |
| pp-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene CAS No. 72-55-9 |
serum or plasma |
| Oxychlordane CAS No. 27304-13-8 |
serum or plasma |
| Trans-nonachlor CAS No. 39765-80-5 |
serum or plasma |
Laboratory Method: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_07_08/uphopm_e_met.pdfpdf icon
An Observational Study to Evaluate Associations Between Low-Level Gestational Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides and Cognition During Early Childhood
Donauer S, Altaye M, Xu Y, Sucharew H, Succop P, Calafat AM, Khoury JC, Lanphear B, Yolton K. Am J Epidemiol. 2016 Sep 1;184(5):410-8. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwv447.
https://academic.oup.com/aje/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/aje/kwv447external icon
Distribution and determinants of urinary biomarkers of exposure to organophosphate insecticides in Puerto Rican pregnant women
Lewis RC, Cantonwine DE, Anzalota Del Toro LV, Calafat AM, Valentin-Blasini L, Davis MD, Montesano MA, Alshawabkeh AN, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Sci Total Environ. 2015 Apr 15;512-513:337-44.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969715000741external icon
Urinary biomarkers of exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and one insect repellent among pregnant women in Puerto Rico
Lewis RC, Cantonwine DE, Anzalota Del Toro LV, Calafat AM, Valentin-Blasini L, Davis MD, Baker SE, Alshawabkeh AN, Cordero JF, Meeker JD Environ Health. 2014 Nov 19;13(1):97. [Epub ahead of print]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258050/pdf/12940_2014_Article_800.pdfpdf iconexternal icon
Biomonitoring Factsheets: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Chlordane and Heptachlor
National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
CDC’s laboratory methods are intended to evaluate population exposures and to support states in situations considered a public health concern. CDC does not provide individual health care or assessment unless as part of a broader public health investigation requested by federal or state agencies, such as a health department. Currently, CDC’s Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch does not have the capability of generating pilot or preliminary results in support of proposals to obtain public or private funds for a larger project.
Detecting levels of an environmental chemical in a person’s blood or urine does not necessarily mean the chemical will cause adverse health effects or disease. Advances in analytical methods enable CDC to measure very low levels of environmental chemicals in people, but research studies of varying levels of exposure are needed to determine if specific levels cause health effects. Consulting a clinician with a toxicological background to assist with the interpretation of results is recommended.
Samples to be tested should be processed through a state health department laboratory, and should conform to the laboratory’s reporting procedures. These laboratory methods often require that the sample be collected by a particular method, or sometimes with particular pre-screened collection devices, to minimize external contamination. Following the correct sample collection protocol is necessary for accurate sample measurement. Please contact the laboratory that will be analyzing the sample to learn the sample collection instructions before collecting the samples.
Contact DLSLab@cdc.gov for more information or questions about these laboratory methods.