OCP Analysis

Most Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) were lauded as great discoveries in their day because they had practical uses that, on face value, seemed to solve pervasive insect problems.

However, when a compound is created to eradicate a pest (such as DDT for mosquitoes) it stands to reason that it can also affect humans

The Stockholm Convention lists twelve Organochlorine Pesticides including:

  • Aldrin
  • Chlordane
  • Chlordecone
  • Dieldrin
  • Endrin
  • Heptachlor
  • Alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane
  • Beta- Hexachlorocyclohexane
  • Lindane
  • Mirex
  • Toxaphene
  • DDT
  • Endosulfan

While these compounds are very effective at controlling insects, their toxicities are persistent. Even though most of them have not been manufactured for decades, they are still found in many areas of the world.

Our team at Pacific Rim Laboratories uses high resolution mass spectrometry to test for these compounds at the parts per trillion (ng / kg) and part per quadrillion (pg / L) level.