Exposure of consumers and farmers to organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides in Northern Thailand

Authors: HONGSIBSONG, SURAT - Chiang Mai University; PRAPAMONTOL, TIPPAWAN - Chiang Mai University; DONG, JIE-XIAN - Chiang Mai University; Bever, Candace; XU, ZHEN-LIN - South China Agricultural University; GEE, SHIRLEY - University Of California, Davis; HAMMOCK, BRUCE - University Of California, Davis

Submitted to: Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/8/2019
Publication Date: 2/2/2019
Citation: Hongsibsong, S., Prapamontol, T., Dong, J., Bever, C.R., Xu, Z., Gee, S.J., Hammock, B.D. 2019. Exposure of consumers and farmers to organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides in Northern Thailand. Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety. 14(1):17-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00003-019-01207-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00003-019-01207-7

Interpretive Summary: In the Northern region of Thailand, particularly Chiang Rai and Nan Provinces, organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides are used both residentially and agriculturally. People living in these areas are prone to exposure to pesticides used in agricultural production. The aim of the present study was to assess pesticide exposure in consumers and agricultural workers living in these areas. Metabolites, called biomarkers, of organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides were analyzed by conventional and immunoanalytical techniques. Our results showed that at least 1 type of biomarker was present in every participant, indicating that consumers and agricultural workers are exposed to these pesticides. Additionally, we compared residential pesticide use by all study participants and found that, regardless of occupation, metabolite concentrations for 6 out of 8 of the metabolites were higher (2 were statistically significantly higher) in those who reported using pesticides in their homes.

Technical Abstract: Organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides are used for controlling residential and agricultural insect pests and disease-carrying vectors in Thailand especially in northern region. Chiang Rai and Nan Provinces are well known for agricultural production. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides in 51 consumers and 49 farmers living in Chiang Rai and Nan Provinces by monitoring the urinary metabolites; six dialkylphosphates (DAPs) and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) as biomarkers of exposure to organophosphates and pyrethroids. The results showed at least one metabolite was present in all subjects indicating that consumers and farmers were exposed to these pesticides. Concentrations of organophosphate and pyrethroid metabolites in consumers and farmers were similar except diethylthiophosphate which was significantly higher in farmers. Diethyldithiophosphate and 3-PBA concentrations from all participants were significantly different between participants reporting the use of residential pesticides and those who did not.