Quantitative Multi-residue Analysis of Major Pesticides:In Human Milk and Exposure for Infants

Background: In today world of escalating human intervention in eco-systems, a lot of human activities are leading to pollution of various components of the eco-system. The dietary pathway is the primary route of exposure to pesticides in the general population. An infant’s diet is relatively restricted to breast milk or formula and baby food. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate pesticide residues in general population in Nadia district and comprehensive quantification of baby exposure through human breast milk. Methods: A modified QuEChER’s extraction & GC-MS/MS multi-residue method was used to evaluate the multi-residue pesticide. Results: Sixteen major pesticides namely Tridemenol , Metribuzin DADK, Metribuzin DA, Aldicarb, Oxamyl , DEHP, DMP, Endosulphan, Pyridaben , Methoprene , Molinate , Allethrin-2, Jasmolin I, Cinerin I , Jasmolin II and Prehydrojasmon - II were extensively tested positive and quantified in the milk samples. However, HCH isomers, DDT, DDE and other persistent organochlorides were also found but in low quantities and in discrete samples. Among samples containing detectable residue levels, a comparative study of the medians of the concentrations with the ADI values of WHO yielded an alarmingly high concentrations ranging from 1 times to 25 times the permissible values, statistically significant differences were seen between groups. Greater levels were seen in the mothers with premature delivery. Conclusions: This study was the first in the area to assess pesticide residues in baby milk (mother’s) in order to better understand the exposure for infants and a approximate residual value in adult females. Characterizing dietary pesticide exposures for infants and children is an essential component of pesticide risk assessment. Several reports have demonstrated the significant contribution of dietary intake to overall pesticide exposure in children and highlighted the critical need to quantify the health risks associated with chronic low-level exposures to those pesticides.