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Abstract: Data on pesticide body load in the south China region are scarce. Here, we report the concentrations of 24 persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in 10 pools of human milk samples, collected at 2–6weeks postpartum from 238 primiparous women living in Hong Kong and south China, who participated in the 2002–2003 WHO exposure study. Residues were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector and confirmed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The mean levels of alpha-HCH (mean 0.6ngg−1 fat), beta-HCH (940ngg−1 fat), gamma-HCH (1.8ngg−1 fat), dieldrin (1.0ngg−1 fat) and HCB (21.8ngg−1 fat) were much lower than the 1985 estimates. Mean levels of alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH, dieldrin, cis-heptachlor-epoxide (0.7ngg−1 fat), sum-chlordane (6.1ngg−1 fat), trans-nonachlor (12.0ngg−1 fat), BDE 47 (1.9ngg−1 fat) and sum PBDE (3.4ngg−1 fat) were comparable to the international median levels of the 15 other countries participating in the 2002–03 WHO exposure study. Hong Kong had the highest level of beta-HCH, possibly a residual effect of previous high exposures in the 1970s. Body loads of beta-HCH and chlordane were lower among mothers with younger age while mothers born in mainland China had lower levels of beta-HCH, cis-heptachlor-epoxide, oxy-chlordane and trans-nonachlor. Levels of toxaphene, endrin, endosulfan, bromcyclene and nitrofen were not detected in all or almost all of the milk pools. Continuous monitoring of POPs in human milk, especially beta-HCH, is needed for surveillance and interpretation of time trends, and for linkage to strict enforcement of agricultural regulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High levels of p,p′-DDT were detected in Hong Kong breast milk sampled in 1976 and 1985. Monitoring DDT levels in human breast milk in this region is important to identify trends in exposure. As part of the 2002–03 WHO/EURO coordinated exposure study, the concentrations of DDT and its metabolites were determined in 10 pooled milk samples classified by geographic origin and dietary history, comprising milk samples from 238 primiparous mothers giving birth in Hong Kong. Analysis was performed by Gas Chromatography (GC) with electron capture detector and confirmed by GC/Mass Spectrometry. The sum-DDT concentration (range: 0.92–2.05mg/kg fat) was age-dependent and indicated a decreasing trend since the 1970s. Mothers who recently came from mainland China had higher p,p′-DDT to p,p′-DDE ratios, suggesting a more recent exposure compared to women mainly residing in Hong Kong. The average Hong Kong sum-DDT level (1.50mg/kg fat) was among the highest of the contemporary levels (range: 0.12–1.97mg/kg fat; median: 0.40mg/kg fat) in the 16 countries/regions participating in the 2002–03 WHO/EURO exposure study. This is probably due to the previous extensive DDT exposure and continuing use of DDT in agriculture in mainland China. Despite the apparent decrease of DDT body load over 30 years, the environmental health hazard from DDT contamination in the Pearl River Delta region remains a concern. Measures to eradicate illegal use of DDT in mainland China and regular food monitoring programs are needed in the region. Despite the presence of DDT and other persistent organic pollutants in human breast milk, breastfeeding should continue to be strongly supported for its life-long benefits to infants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]