Dietary Intake of Pesticides Based on Vegetable Consumption in Ismailia,Egypt: A Case Study

The objective of this study was to assess pesticide residues in tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, and potatoes collected from local markets in Ismailia, Egypt, and to assess dietary intake and health risk implications of pesticide residues through food consumption. Vegetable selection was based on their popularity and consumption. Selection of pesticides was based on their impact on humans, and on their heavy use. The majority of the analyzed samples contained detectable levels of pesticides. Residues of some organophosphorus pesticides, including malathion, ethion, and profenofos and some pyrethroid pesticides such as fenpropathrin and cypermethrin were found in some samples at concentration equal to or exceeding their European Union's maximum residue limits (EU-MRLs). The fungicide bupirimate detected in potato samples exceeded the EU-MRL by 1500%. Phentohate and profenofos were the most frequently detected pesticides in 30 and 27% of analyzed samples, respectively. Data were used to estimate the potential health risks associated with exposure to these pesticides by ingestion of food. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of pesticides ranged from 0.03% to 40% of the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs), depending on pesticide concentration and vegetable consumption. Overall, the EDIs of the different pesticides from vegetable consumption are not considered a public health problem.     

Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Tea Samples from China

In the present study an effort was made to monitor the residue levels of 32 pesticides in tea samples collected from three representative tea districts of China during 2010 to 2012. A total of 223 samples of green tea, pu-erh tea, black tea, and oolong tea were determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among 223 samples, 198 samples contained pesticide residues, and 39 samples had residue levels that were more than the European Union (EU) maximum residue limits (MRLs). The most positive and violated MLRs were observed in Oolong tea. The highest detection rates and the most often exceeding the MRLs were observed for the residues of bifenthrin. Ten pesticides were not found in the 223 tea samples. The potential health risks to consumers due to tea consumption in three representative cities were estimated. The results suggested that non-cancer hazards of organophosphorus, organochlorines, and pyrethroids and the cancer risks from exposure to hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor, chlordane, and pp’-DDT were clearly below the safe limit. Nevertheless, an investigation into continuous monitoring and tighter regulation of pesticide residues in tea samples are almost always desirable or even necessary for public health protection.     

Evaluation of selected plant growth regulators and fungicide residues in fruits for dietary risk assessment

A total of 96 samples of fresh fruits were collected to investigate the residues of selected plant growth regulators and fungicides. The analyses utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry after a modified QuEChERS method. The results were evaluated according to maximum residue limits (MRLs) by the Chinese regulation. All blueberries, litchis, and watermelons were pesticide-free, and only one (1%) fruit sample contained pesticide residues above MRLs. Concerning the most frequently detected pesticide residues, carbendazim was found in 20% of the samples analyzed. Data obtained were then used to estimate the potential health risks associated with the exposures to these pesticides. The short-term risks were below 3.25% and the long-term risks were also very low, ranging from 0.0005% for dimethomorph to 0.4302% for prochloraz.     

Toxicological evaluation of multi-class pesticide residues in vegetables and associated human health risk study for adults and children

This article describes, for the first time in 10 years, the toxicological evaluation of pesticide residues in highly consumed vegetables (35 commodities) and health risk studies. Among 1075 vegetable samples consisting mainly of tuber, root, fruiting, and Brassica, 20% of samples contained 38 pesticides in the range of 0.005–18.7 mg/kg and 1% > maximum residue limits (MRLs). Organophosphates and chloronitrile were most frequently found (20%) in the pesticide class. The highest concentration of 18.7 mg/kg was noted for dichlofluanid. Fruiting vegetables (8%), especially tomatoes (5%), were the most contaminated, while multi-residues were determined in 5% of the samples. Risk assessment was performed by analytical results and consumption on the 97.5 percentile expressed as hazard index (HI) and hazard quotient (HQ). The highest chronic HI was calculated for diazinon in lettuce (32% Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) adults and 36% children) and for forbidden dieldrin in carrots (26%, 62% ADI). The highest acute HI was estimated for dichlofluanid in lettuce (69% Acute Reference Dose (ARfD)) for adults, whereas for children it was above the acceptance values of ARfD (168%). Organophosphate insecticides with common mode of action showed the greatest HQ (108% ADI). Vegetables may not be a serious problem for consumers, but investigations on pesticide residues are necessary to ensure food safety and the protection of human health, especially toward children who are more highly exposed to pesticides than adults.     

Occurrence and risk assessment of organophosphorus pesticide residues in Chinese tea

Tea is the second widely consumed beverage next to water. Tea drinking is one of the important pathways for human exposure of organonphosphorus pesticide. Consequently, incidence of organonphosphorus pesticide residues and risk assessment should be clear. In this study, the level of organonphosphorus pesticide residues in 810 Chinese teas manufactured between 2010–2013 was investigated using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and a flame photometric detector. Incidence of organonphosphorus pesticide residues occurred with a frequency of 29% and the average concentration of 93 μg kg^?1. The residue levels varied from tea types, sale spots, and production area. Chlorpyrifos, isocarbophos, and triazophos were the only three organonphosphorus pesticides with detectable residues, and the detectable rates were 13.0%, 13.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. The corresponding average daily intake of chlorpyrifos, isocarbophos, and triazophos by tea drinking was 0.000083 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1, 0.0036 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1, and 0.0022 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1. These results showed that the total hazard quotient of organonphosphorus pesticide pesticides from tea drinking was less than 0.02 and that the tea-drinking originated organonphosphorus pesticide exposure had a little adverse health effect for human being.     

Assessing Health Risks from Pesticides in Recycled Water: A Case Study of Augmentation of Drinking Water Supplies in Perth,Western Australia

A characterization of pesticides in secondary treated effluent (STE) and a screening health risk assessment were conducted to evaluate potential health impacts of recycled water for potable reuse. Samples of STE were examined pre- and post-reverse osmosis (RO) treatment in two plants. Risk quotients (RQ) were estimated by expressing the maximum and median concentration as a function of the health value. Of 128 pesticides analyzed, 11 were detected in STE. Trifluralin was detected in 86.5% of the STE samples followed by metolachlor (67.6%), 2,4-D (50%), and propiconazole (42.5%). Metolachlor was the only pesticide detected post-RO in one sample (0.08 μg/L, limit of reporting = 0.05 μg/L). RQ(max) were all below health values in the STE with the exception of thiophanate methyl (RQ max = 2.4). RO was able to reduce the concentration of all pesticides below LOR. Median removal efficiency for RO ranged from 67.1% (atrazine) to 98.8% (2,4-D). The results indicate that, despite the detection of pesticides in STE, the impact on indirect potable reuse is negligible due to the low concentrations in STE and their subsequent removal during RO treatment. Implementation of risk management strategies to optimize safety and recommendations for a monitoring program are also discussed.     

Occurrence,distribution and possible sources of organochlorine pesticides in peri-urban vegetable soils of Changchun,Northeast China

The characterizations of residue levels and sources of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils are necessary to evaluate the potential pollution and risks of OCPs to the ecosystems and human health. A total of 51 surface soil samples were collected from peri-urban vegetable fields of Changchun and 13 OCPs were analyzed to learn the composition, spatial distribution and sources. The concentrations were in the ranges of 0.94–107.8 ng g^?1 for DDTs, 0.89–98.3 ng g^?1 for HCHs, 0.22–18.20 ng g^?1 for Chlordanes, nd–4.49 ng g^?1 for aldrin and nd–9.66 ng g^?1 for dieldrin, respectively. The total OCPs concentrations ranged from 2.44 to 177.1 ng g^?1 and the higher residues were mainly distributed in northeast and southwest sites, as well as sites along the Yitong River. According to the concentrations and detection frequencies, DDTs and HCHs were the most dominant compounds. Compositional analysis and principal component analysis suggested that DDT, HCH and chlordane in most soil samples derived from historical application except the slight fresh introduction at some locations. There exist a variety of OCPs residues in peri-urban vegetable soils of Changchun, but it is still safe and suitable for agricultural production for the most part, and some specific locations with high OCPs residues ought to be a cause for concern.     

Pesticide Residues in Agricultural Produce in Hubei Province,PR China

Pesticide residues in agricultural produce were examined in two villages of Qianjiang municipality, Hubei province, PR China. Six food groups were sampled from the fields prior to harvesting from the farmers' market and from farmers' homes. Organochlorine residues were detected in almost all examined food groups, with residue levels significantly lower than the national tolerances (MRL). Total BHC residues were on average 31.7?µg/kg and DDT 102.5 (µg/kg. Organophosphorus residues were detected in vegetable samples. Mean residue levels of phoxim and methamidophos in vegetables were 89.9?µg/kg and 36.5?µg/kg, respectively, both exceeding the MRL. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of pesticide residues per person, based on the six food groups sampled, were 4.88?mg for total DDT, 2.04 (µg for total BHC, and 19.33 (µg for methamidophos. The overall results show that the increased use and misuse of pesticides for crop protection in Qianjiang municipality, notably in vegetable production, have led to worrisome levels of pesticide contamination of agricultural produce that may carry certain risks for human health.     

Investigating Factors Affecting Unit-to-Unit Variability in Non-Systemic Pesticide Residues by Stochastic Simulation Modelling

The estimation of acute dietary intake plays a key role in the safety assessment of pesticide residues and needs knowledge of the unit-to-unit variability in residues. There is limited knowledge of contributions of factors to often observed large unit-to-unit variability in residues. A stochastic simulation study was conducted to investigate the effects of sample size and heterogeneity in factors driving residue dissipation of non-systemic pesticides on the unit-to-unit variability among individual apples. The heterogeneity in driving factors was expressed in terms of variability in three dissipation parameters. The variability factor (VF), calculated as the ratio of residues in individual fruit at the 97.5th percentile and the mean residue, was used to represent the unit-to-unit variability. As the rate of dissipation increased, the variability in the corresponding parameter led to larger increases in the variability VF of residues over time. Thus, under field conditions, the relative in pesticide residues is expected to increase with time although the absolute level of residues decreases. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to describe residue variability in samples of small sizes (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80). When sample size was fewer than 40 fruit, the sample CV increased steeply with decreasing sample size. Measuring residues as concentrations, instead of per fruit, also led to an average 4–8% increase in the CV of residues because of variability in fruit expansion.     

Pollution assessment of organochlorine pesticides in urban agricultural soils of Jilin City,China

The content, source, and pollution level of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils are necessary to assess potential risks to eco-environment and human health, and to target environment-friendly policies. A total of 50 surface soil samples were collected from urban vegetable fields of Jilin City and thirteen OCPs were analyzed. The concentrations were in the ranges of 3.16–48.35 ng·g^?1 for Dichloro-Diphenyl-Tricgloroethanes (DDTs, sum of o, p′-DDT, p, p′-DDT, p, p′-DDD, and p, p′-DDE), 4.37–44.77 ng·g^?1 for Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs, sum of α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, and δ-HCH), 1.19–13.17 ng·g^?1 for Chlordanes (sum of heptachlor, t-chlordane, and c-chlordane), 0.24–2.60 ng·g^?1 for aldrin, and nd–3.43 ng·g^?1 for dieldrin, respectively. The different compositions indicated that the residues of DDTs and HCHs originated mainly from the historical application, while chlordanes were mostly from recent input. On the basis of soil quality standards of China and the Netherlands, DDTs and chlordanes in this study were categorized as light pollution, and HCHs were classified as no pollution for the majority of soil samples. There are a variety of OCPs residues in urban vegetable soils of Jilin City, but it is still safe and suitable for agricultural production.     

Pesticide dissipation and microbial community changes in a biopurification system: influence of the rhizosphere

The dissipation of atrazine, chlorpyrifos and iprodione in a biopurification system and changes in the microbial and some biological parameters influenced by the rhizosphere of Lolium perenne were studied in a column system packed with an organic biomixture. Three column depths were analyzed for residual pesticides, peroxidase, fluorescein diacetate activity and microbial communities. Fungal colonization was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess the extent of its proliferation in wheat straw. The L. perenne rhizosphere enhanced pesticide dissipation and negligible pesticide residues were detected at 20–30 cm column depth. Atrazine, chlorpyrifos and iprodione removal was 82, 89 and 74% respectively in the first 10 cm depth for columns with vegetal cover. The presence of L. perenne in contaminated columns stimulated peroxidase activity in all three column depth sections. Fluorescein diacetate activity decreased over time in all column sections with the highest values in biomixtures with vegetal cover. Microbial communities, analyzed by PCR-DGGE, were not affected by the pesticide mixture application, presenting high values of similarity (>65%) with and without vegetal cover. Microbial abundance of Actinobacteria varied according to treatment and no clear link was observed. However, bacterial abundance increased over time and was similar with and without vegetal cover. On the other hand, fungal abundance decreased in all sections of columns after 40 days, but an increase was observed in response to pesticide application. Fungal colonization and straw degradation during pesticide dissipation were verified by monitoring the lignin autofluorescence loss.     

Biological monitoring of exposure to pesticide residues among Belgian florists

Abstract

Many pesticides applied in cut flowers can be readily absorbed through the skin of florists during preparing bouquets and handling contaminated flowers. A study was conducted among volunteer Belgian florists in order to assess their total exposure by measuring concentrations of pesticides (parent compounds and metabolites) in their urines. A total of 42 urine samples (24-h urines) were collected from florists during their professional activities, on the three most important commercial periods. The concentrations of pesticide residues and metabolites in urine samples were analyzed with a multiresidue liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method, after an ethyl acetate extraction. The results are compared with those of a control group of 42 subjects not occupationally exposed to pesticides, collected in the same periods. A total of 70 residues (56 pesticides and 14 metabolites) were identified, with an average of about eight pesticide residues and metabolites per florist’s urine sample and an average total concentration per sample of 4.3 µg/g creatinine, ranging from 0.2 to 67 µg/g creatinine. Significantly higher urinary excretion of metabolites (t-test) was found in florists than in control group. These results demonstrate that Belgian florists are exposed daily to pesticide residues with a potential effect on their health.     

Effects of Environmental Pesticides on the Health of Rural Communities in the Malwa Region of Punjab,India: A Review

The Malwa region of Punjab, India, is facing an unprecedented crisis of environmental health linked to indiscriminate, excessive, and unsafe use of pesticides, fertilizers, and poor groundwater quality. The region has been described as India's “cancer capital” due to abnormally high number of cancer cases, which have increased 3-fold in the last 10 years. Studies of this region have also highlighted a sharp increase in many other pesticide-related diseases, such as mental retardation and reproductive disorders. The most affected individuals are the agricultural workers who are directly exposed to pesticides. The Malwa region of Punjab, India, is less than 15% of the total area of Punjab (only 0.5% of the total geographical area of India), but it consumes nearly 75% of the total pesticides used in Punjab. The high use of pesticides, along with environmental and social factors, is responsible for the high concentration of pesticide residues in the food chain of this region. Moreover, many banned and restricted pesticides are still in use in this region, warranting strict periodical health checkups and other interventions. The present review describes occupational, environmental, and social factors associated with pesticide use in the Malwa region of Punjab, India, and proposes some risk reduction interventions.     

Determination of 17 Organophosphate Pesticide Residues in Mango by Modified QuEChERS Extraction Method Using GC-NPD/GC-MS and Hazard Index Estimation in Lucknow,India

A total of 162 samples of different varieties of mango: Deshehari, Langra, Safeda in three growing stages (Pre-mature, Unripe and Ripe) were collected from Lucknow, India, and analyzed for the presence of seventeen organophosphate pesticide residues. The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method of extraction coupled with gas chromatography was validated for pesticides and qualitatively confirmed by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. The method was validated with different concentrations of mixture of seventeen organophosphate pesticides (0.05, 0.10, 0.50 mg kg⁻¹) in mango. The average recovery varied from 70.20% to 95.25% with less than 10% relative standard deviation. The limit of quantification of different pesticides ranged from 0.007 to 0.033 mg kg⁻¹. Out of seventeen organophosphate pesticides only malathion and chlorpyriphos were detected. Approximately 20% of the mango samples have shown the presence of these two pesticides. The malathion residues ranged from ND-1.407 mg kg⁻¹ and chlorpyriphos ND-0.313 mg kg⁻¹ which is well below the maximum residues limit (PFA-1954). In three varieties of mango at different stages from unpeeled to peeled sample reduction of malathion and chlorpyriphos ranged from 35.48%–100% and 46.66%–100% respectively. The estimated daily intake of malathion ranged from 0.032 to 0.121 µg kg⁻¹ and chlorpyriphos ranged from zero to 0.022 µg kg⁻¹ body weight from three different stages of mango. The hazard indices ranged from 0.0015 to 0.0060 for malathion and zero to 0.0022 for chlorpyriphos. It is therefore indicated that seasonal consumption of these three varieties of mango may not pose any health hazards for the population of Lucknow, city, India because the hazard indices for malathion and chlorpyriphos residues were below to one.     

Analysis of sugar composition and pesticides using HPLC and GC–MS techniques in honey samples collected from Saudi Arabian markets

Honey is a complex foodstuff found in nature which is used without any processing. Honey has been in use in medicine as well as raw food since ancient times. Essentially, it is a blend of sugars especially fructose and glucose. The objectives of the study were to determine major sugar composition as well as pesticides contamination in honey samples. Further, Hydroxy-methyl-furfuraldehyde (HMF) level was also determined to ascertain the freshness of honey samples. A total of 14 samples were collected from local market and tested for fructose, glucose, sucrose, HMF and organochlorine pesticides using HPLC and GC–MS techniques respectively. The total sugars in the 14 honey samples were found ranging between 50.26 and 74.74 g/100 g of honey. The chromatographic results showed the presence of the sugars like fructose and glucose in all honey samples. The honey sample SH–11 was found to contain the highest amount of fructose (40.63%). On the other hand, the lowest amount of fructose with 29.08% was observed in SH–7. The HPLC analysis also revealed the presence of sucrose in two samples but under the permissible limit. The average ratio of fructose to glucose in these honey samples was 1.3. None of the sample has ratio below 1.0 indicating lesser chances for honey to crystallize on storage. Out of 14 honey samples, 13 samples were found negative for the presence of any of the 63 pesticides tested. Only sample No. 13, was found to contain 15.95 ppb hexachlorobenzene per kilogram of honey. The HMF was not detected in four samples but in remaining samples it was well below the maximum permissible limit. No pesticide and sugar adulteration was observed in any of the honey samples. The honeys collected from Saudi Arabian markets were found to confirm the standards set by the regional and international standardization organization, the GSO and Codex Alimentarius Commission respectively.     

Monitoring Copper Bioaccumulation in Cocoa from Copper-Based Pesticide–Treated Cocoa Farms Using Fuzzy Similarity Method

Cocoa production has been hindered by pests, leading to application of pesticides. These pesticide applications have raised health concerns. This study is therefore aimed at developing accumulation classifications for copper (Cu) in cocoa from plantations where Cu-based pesticides have been applied using fuzzy similarity method (FSM). Cocoa pods, seeds, leaves, and soil samples were collected from five different plantations from three states in Nigeria. The plant samples were digested using standard methods, whereas the Cu in soil samples was extracted with 1 M ammonium acetate. The products were analyzed for Cu using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Cu concentrations obtained were used to model the accumulation degree using FSM. The Cu concentrations were higher in the leaves than the seeds and the pods. The persistency of Cu was displayed by high concentrations (11.5–375 mg/kg) and enrichment factor in CRIN sites where this pesticide application has been stopped for over a decade. The leaves from Ondo sites had the highest Cu concentration, which indicates impact of recent applications. The FSM membership function and algorithm indicated that the plant parts had low degrees of accumulation for fresh leaves, pods, and seeds, the valued part applied in beverages, but for the dry leaves, the accumulation degree is high. It may be concluded that the applied Cu-based pesticide had more impact and accumulation on the leaves than the commercial valued seeds, but the Cu concentration in the seeds is above the recommended value.     

Overview of pesticide residues in stored pollen and their potential effect on bee colony (Apis mellifera) losses in Spain

In the last decade, an increase in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony losses has been reported in several countries. The causes of this decline are still not clear. This study was set out to evaluate the pesticide residues in stored pollen from honey bee colonies and their possible impact on honey bee losses in Spain. In total, 1,021 professional apiaries were randomly selected. All pollen samples were subjected to multiresidue analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography-MS; moreover, specific methods were applied for neonicotinoids and fipronil. A palynological analysis also was carried out to confirm the type of foraging crop. Pesticide residues were detected in 42% of samples collected in spring, and only in 31% of samples collected in autumn. Fluvalinate and chlorfenvinphos were the most frequently detected pesticides in the analyzed samples. Fipronil was detected in 3.7% of all the spring samples but never in autumn samples, and neonicotinoid residues were not detected. More than 47.8% of stored pollen samples belonged to wild vegetation, and sunflower (Heliantus spp.) pollen was only detected in 10.4% of the samples. A direct relation between pesticide residues found in stored pollen samples and colony losses was not evident accordingly to the obtained results. Further studies are necessary to determine the possible role of the most frequent and abundant pesticides (such as acaricides) and the synergism among them and with other pathogens more prevalent in Spain.     

Widespread Occurrence of Chemical Residues in Beehive Matrices from Apiaries Located in Different Landscapes of Western France

Background

The honey bee, Apis mellifera, is frequently used as a sentinel to monitor environmental pollution. In parallel, general weakening and unprecedented colony losses have been reported in Europe and the USA, and many factors are suspected to play a central role in these problems, including infection by pathogens, nutritional stress and pesticide poisoning. Honey bee, honey and pollen samples collected from eighteen apiaries of western France from four different landscape contexts during four different periods in 2008 and in 2009 were analyzed to evaluate the presence of pesticides and veterinary drug residues.

Methodology/Findings

A multi-residue analysis of 80 compounds was performed using a modified QuEChERS method, followed by GC-ToF and LC−MS/MS. The analysis revealed that 95.7%, 72.3% and 58.6% of the honey, honey bee and pollen samples, respectively, were contaminated by at least one compound. The frequency of detection was higher in the honey samples (n = 28) than in the pollen (n = 23) or honey bee (n = 20) samples, but the highest concentrations were found in pollen. Although most compounds were rarely found, some of the contaminants reached high concentrations that might lead to adverse effects on bee health. The three most frequent residues were the widely used fungicide carbendazim and two acaricides, amitraz and coumaphos, that are used by beekeepers to control Varroa destructor. Apiaries in rural-cultivated landscapes were more contaminated than those in other landscape contexts, but the differences were not significant. The contamination of the different matrices was shown to be higher in early spring than in all other periods.

Conclusions/Significance

Honey bees, honeys and pollens are appropriate sentinels for monitoring pesticide and veterinary drug environmental pollution. This study revealed the widespread occurrence of multiple residues in beehive matrices and suggests a potential issue with the effects of these residues alone or in combination on honey bee health.     

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Risk and Insecticide,Fungicide and Fumigant Use in the Agricultural Health Study

Farming and pesticide use have previously been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM). We evaluated agricultural use of specific insecticides, fungicides, and fumigants and risk of NHL and NHL-subtypes (including CLL and MM) in a U.S.-based prospective cohort of farmers and commercial pesticide applicators. A total of 523 cases occurred among 54,306 pesticide applicators from enrollment (1993–97) through December 31, 2011 in Iowa, and December 31, 2010 in North Carolina. Information on pesticide use, other agricultural exposures and other factors was obtained from questionnaires at enrollment and at follow-up approximately five years later (1999–2005). Information from questionnaires, monitoring, and the literature were used to create lifetime-days and intensity-weighted lifetime days of pesticide use, taking into account exposure-modifying factors. Poisson and polytomous models were used to calculate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate associations between 26 pesticides and NHL and five NHL-subtypes, while adjusting for potential confounding factors. For total NHL, statistically significant positive exposure-response trends were seen with lindane and DDT. Terbufos was associated with total NHL in ever/never comparisons only. In subtype analyses, terbufos and DDT were associated with small cell lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia/marginal cell lymphoma, lindane and diazinon with follicular lymphoma, and permethrin with MM. However, tests of homogeneity did not show significant differences in exposure-response among NHL-subtypes for any pesticide. Because 26 pesticides were evaluated for their association with NHL and its subtypes, some chance finding could have occurred. Our results showed pesticides from different chemical and functional classes were associated with an excess risk of NHL and NHL subtypes, but not all members of any single class of pesticides were associated with an elevated risk of NHL or NHL subtypes. These findings are among the first to suggest links between DDT, lindane, permethrin, diazinon and terbufos with NHL subtypes.     

Analysis of Some Pesticide Residues in Tomatoes in Ghana

Pesticide residues, both natural and synthetic, can be found in most of the things we eat, for example, fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, poultry, fish, and the processed foods made from them. Some of this pesticide contamination is legal, but does this mean it is safe? Much of it is illegal, with residues found in excess of regulatory safe levels. Identifying and determining the level of trace contaminants in our food and environment is critical in protecting and improving human health and the environment. This study evaluates the residue levels of select pesticides used on tomato crops in Ghana that are likely to have accumulated in the tomatoes during application. The results obtained confirm that pesticide residues were indeed present in the tomatoes and further analysis quantified the amount present. Analysis of some organochlorine and organophosphorus residue levels in the fruits indicated that chlorpyrifos, which is an active ingredient of pesticides registered in Ghana under the trade name dursban 4E or terminus 480 EC for use on vegetables, has the greatest residue level of 10.76 mg/kg. The lowest residue level observed was that of pirimiphos-methyl with 0.03 mg/kg. Human health risk assessment was performed on the results obtained from the analysis using Human Health Evaluation computerized software-RISC 4.02. The risk assessment showed cancer risk for adults and children due to the presence of endosulfan and chlopyrifos. Endosulfan is not registered in Ghana as a pesticide for use on vegetables, therefore the detection of endosulfan in several samples indicates misuse of agrochemicals among Ghanaian farmers.