Mass spectrometric analyses and characterization of Kepone in environmental and human samples

Abstract

A specific portion of our environment has been contaminated with Kepone, or chlordecone. Additionally, some specific human exposures to high concentrations of Kepone have been confirmed. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry involving chemical ionization and high resolution mass spectrometry were used to detect, identify and confirm the presence of Kepone, Kepone photoproducts and a reduction product of Kepone in environmental and human samples. Field desorption, field ionization and electron impact mass spectrometric methods, as well as infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used to characterize and identify Kepone hydrate and hemiketal in benzene and methanol solutions, respectively.