Determination of pesticide levels in farmers working in the Barcelona municipality, Quindio, Colombia
Abstract
Aim: To determine the levels of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in peripheral blood samples of farm-workers in Barcelona, Quindío, Colombia.
Methods: Farm-workers were randomly chosen to cover the major suppliers of fruits and vegetables crops in the region. Solid phase micro extraction in head space mode and capillary gas chromatography with a micro electron capture detector were used for extraction and determination of analytes from blood.
Results: Twenty-one pesticides residues among organochlorine and organophosphorusclasses were found.Most of these pesticides were at high concentrations (>0.01 ppm) andrepresented concentrations forbidden by national and international legislation. Beta-BHC and endosulfan were found in 50% of persons tested. Residues of endrinaldehyde, phorate, sulfotep, disulfoton and thionazinwere found amongst 20-40% of the persons tested.
Conclusions: These results demonstrate the high risks that farm-workers are exposed to, suggesting poor attention and provision of information byentities responsible for permits and supervision.
Furthermore, we highlight theneed for monitoring and quality control of food, water sources and farm-workers, and the necessity to inform workers and the community of the risks to which they are exposed.
