Biologic monitoring of exposure to organophosphorus pesticides in 195 Italian Children
Environmental Health Perspectives (2000) 108:521-525
Cristina Aprea, Mirella Strambi, Maria Teresa Novelli, Liana Lunghini, and Nanda Bozzi.
- One hundred ninety-five 6- to 7-year-old children who lived in the municipality of Siena (Tuscany, Italy) underwent biologic monitoring to evaluate urinary excretion of several alkylphosphates that are metabolites of organophosphorus pesticides.
- We obtained urine samples taken in the children's schools, and each sample was accompanied by a questionnaire about lifestyle and dietary habits.
- The significant variable for urinary excretion of these metabolites in children was pest control operations performed inside or outside the house in the preceding month; however, the presence of a vegetable garden near the house rarely emerged.
- The urinary excretion of alkylphosphates in children was significantly higher than in a group of the adult population resident in the same province.
Environmental Research (1999) 84:290-302
Chensheng Lu, Dianne E. Knutson, Jennifer Fisker-Andersen, and Richard A. Fenske.
- In this study we assessed organophosphorus (OP) pesticide exposure among children living in two Seattle metropolitan area communities by measuring urinary metabolites, and identified possible exposure risk factors through a parental interview.
- Nearly all children in this study had measurable levels of OP pesticide metabolites. Some of this exposure was likely due to diet. Garden pesticide use was associated with elevated metabolite levels.
- We recommend that OP pesticide use be avoided in areas where children are likely to play.
