Pesticide residues on children's hands, home indoor surfaces, and drinking water among conventional and organic farmers in Thailand

This study measured pesticide levels on children's hands, home indoor surfaces, and drinking water among Thai conventional and organic farm families in three provinces. Farm families in Nakhonsawan and Phitsanulok provinces were the conventional farmers and those in Yasothon province were the organic farmers. Samples were collected in the dry and wet seasons over 2 years (2017 and 2018). All samples were analyzed for organophosphates (OPs), carbamate, pyrethroid, triazines, glyphosate, and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). On children's hands, the highest concentrations for the 2 palmar surfaces were found for cypermethrin (7.46 mu g) and fipronil (2.88 mu g). On home surfaces of approximately 1000 cm(2), the highest concentrations were found for cypermethrin (27.94 mu g) and fipronil 49.76 mu g)/1000 cm(2). For the conventional farmers, the most common pesticides on children's hand wipes were cypermethrin and fipronil, which are used as in-home pesticides as well as agricultural pesticides. However, home surface wipes showed other pesticides associated with agriculture were presented in the home during the seasons when they were used, suggesting spray drift or carry home sources for these pesticides. During the wet season, pesticides were found in the drinking water of all provinces. Most common were fenitrothion, profenofos, fenthion, atrazine, and AMPA. Profenofos was found at levels above the health guidelines. During 2017, there was extensive flooding in Thailand which may have contributed to the drinking water contamination, even though most farmers report using tap water or bottled drinking water. Future work is needed to assess the risk of all sources of pesticide exposures in children and to repeat the drinking water pesticide contamination analysis.

Automated summary

This study investigated the presence of pesticides in Thai households, with a particular focus on children's exposure. The results showed that various pesticides were found on children's hands, home surfaces, and drinking water, with some chemicals exceeding the health guidelines. This highlights the need for further research and attention to the potential risks of pesticide exposure for children.