Exposure of chlorpyrifos in toddlers living in an agricultural area in Sakon Nakhon province, North-East Thailand

Non-carcinogenic health risk from carbamate pesticide exposure of toddlers living in agricultural areas of Thailand

Toddlers in agricultural areas may be athave risk from pesticide exposure . A cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 toddlers and their caregivers. Face-to-face interviews were done to gather information about exposure factors. A wipe sampling technique was used to collect carbamate residues on each toddler's hands and feet. Results showed that there were carbamate residues on all wipe samples (100%), with a median concentration of 30.47 micrograms per sample (hands and feet). Carbamate residues detected on toddlers' hands and feetwere significantly associated (p < 0.05) with many factors, including the toddlers' relationships with caregivers, the education level of caregivers, the household incomes, the gender of toddlers, the frequency of following caregivers to farms, the frequency of foot washing, daytime activities, and playing durations. The health risk from dermal carbamate exposurewas above the acceptable range (HI = 3.244). Preventive measures should be considered to reduce toddlers' pesticide exposure in agricultural areas.

A Two-Pronged Educational Intervention for Caregivers to Prevent Residential Pesticide Exposure Among Thai Young Children Living in Agricultural Area

Background

Residential pesticide exposure can be harmful to the health of young children, particularly in agricultural areas. It is critical to educate their caregivers on pesticide exposure prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a two-pronged education intervention for caregivers in preventing pesticide exposure among Thai young children living in agricultural areas.

Methods

This was an experimental study with 90 primary caregivers of young children aged 6 months to 5 years. Thirty caregivers each were assigned to one of three groups: booklet plus lecture intervention, only booklet intervention, and control. Caregivers in both interventions received a booklet that educated them on residential pesticide exposure and prevention. The caregivers in the booklet plus lecture group also attended a 2-hour lecture with the same content as the booklet. A questionnaire was developed to assess caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, intention, and behaviors regarding residential pesticide exposure and prevention in children. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at their homes three times: baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up (three weeks after the end of the intervention).

Results

Linear mixed models showed that, from baseline to post-intervention, the intervention effect on knowledge and attitude in both intervention groups, as well as intention in the booklet plus lecture group, was significant (p<0.05). From baseline to follow-up, the knowledge, attitude, intention, and behavior scores in both intervention groups increased significantly more than the control group (p<0.01). Only the attitude score increased more in the booklet plus lecture group than in the booklet group at post-intervention (p=0.009) and follow-up (p=0.003).

Conclusion

Both the booklet plus lecture method and the booklet method alone have a positive effect on improving the caregiver's knowledge and behaviors regarding pesticide exposure prevention at home. Thus, providing a booklet to caregivers to reduce children's risk of pesticide exposure is recommended.

Determinants of non-dietary exposure to agricultural pesticides in populations living close to fields: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence in the scientific literature that individuals living near fields are more exposed to agricultural pesticides than people living further away.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this systematic review was to identify the non-dietary determinants of pesticide exposure related to the drift pathway in residents living in agricultural areas, including spatial indictors related to agricultural activities, hygiene practices, behaviors and sociodemographic parameters.

METHODS

Three databases were consulted (PubMed, Web of sciences, Scopus). At least two experts selected the eligible studies.

RESULTS

A total of 27 original studies (2002-2020) fulfilled the eligibility criteria of this review. These publications explored pesticide exposure of individuals through measurements in biological samples (n = 13), environmental samples (n = 11) or both (n = 3). Spatial indicators, including residential proximity to fields, crop acreage around the residence and amounts of pesticides applied in the vicinity were identified as determinants of pesticide exposure in many studies (n = 17), including publications considered to be of very good or good quality (n = 12). Season of spraying tended to increase the levels of pesticides measured in five publications out of seven. Meteorological parameters and physical barriers showed an inconsistent and complex influence on the presence and levels of pesticides in urine samples and house dust. Frequent housekeeping reduced the presence of pesticides at home and consequently in biological matrices in three studies out of six. Finally, the effect of the occupants' sociodemographic characteristics, behaviors, and hygiene practices on the exposure measurement was less well documented and results were fairly inconsistent.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study consolidates our knowledge of the determinants influencing pesticide exposure levels in people living in agricultural areas. Nevertheless, the available scientific data is still too limited to serve as a basis for developing risk management measures. More research is needed to improve knowledge of the determinants of exposure.