Quantification of non‐persistent pesticides in human samples by isotope dilution mass spectrometry

Pesticides are some of the most commonly used chemicals in the United States and therefore have become very common contaminants in the environment. The health effects of many non‐persistent pesticides in heavily exposed and general human populations are not yet known. The extensive use of these compounds has created a great interest in developing laboratory and epidemiology studies on possible health risks. We have recently developed methods for the exposure assessment pilot of the NCI/EPA/NIEHS Agricultural Health Study to analyze blood and urine samples collected from farmers and their families. These samples were collected before, during, and after pesticide application. A target group of non‐persistent insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides have been identified and isotope dilution mass spectrometric methods were used to measure these pesticides and their metabolites in the biological samples.