Health risk assessment of residential exposure to cypermethrin among young children in agricultural communities in northeastern Thailand

This study aimed to identify factors associated with dermal exposure to cypermethrin and assess the health risks among young children in an agricultural community in Thailand. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the parents/caregivers of 58 children (aged 1–3 years). Wipe samples were analyzed for cypermethrin by gas chromatography-microelectron capture detection (GC-µECD). Health risk assessments were based on the cypermethrin concentration on the children’s hands and feet. Spearman’s correlation indicated significant associations among cypermethrin concentrations on the hands, feet, floors/wooden beds, and toys (rho?=?0.438–0.613, p-value <0.001). Cypermethrin concentrations on the hands were significantly and inversely correlated with the child’s caregiver being the child’s mother and insecticide use (p?p?p??5 in the dry season and 4.301?×?10^?4 in the wet season). These findings suggest that young children might not be at risk for cypermethrin exposure through the dermal route. Residential exposure among young children may be reduced by improved hygiene. Health risk assessments of environmental insecticide exposure via the oral and inhalation routes require further investigation.