Residue situation of DDT, HCH and HCB in grains in the years 1982-1987

In the GDR DDT-preparations are not admissible and the application of lindane-preparations is limited. In pursuance of the investigations of grain samples since 1971 DDT-, DDE-, alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH as well as HCB-residues have been determined. These residues are to be attributed to an unwilled contamination by uptake from the soil. In comparison with the residue situation from 1971 up to 1980 a further decrease of the contamination of cereals with DDT- and HCH-residues was stated, whereas the HCB residues remained constant. In 1987 the mean values for the total DDT-, total HCH- and HCB-residues were found to be distinctly below the maximum residue limits stated in the regulations of admissible residue levels in the GDR or below the negigible residue levels according to the toxicity group II of 0.02 mg.kg-1 for DDT, HCH and HCB.