Health risk assessment related to pesticide exposures among young children : a case study in agricultural community, Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand

Children living in agricultural areas are subject to pesticide exposures in their living areas and through their activities led to adverse health. The aim of this study is to assess the health risk and investigate the environmental and behavioural factors associated with pesticide exposure and resultant adverse health effects in young children living in an agricultural community. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 65 young children (age of 12-36 months). The parents were interviewed face-to-face. Childrens’ hands and feet, toys, and floors/wood beds were wiped for pesticide residue. Blood samples were collected and blood cholinesterase activity was measured. This study found that the average age of participants was 19.9±5.9 months. Percent of pesticide detections were highest on hands, toys, floors/wooden beds, and feet respectively. The highest pesticide concentration was detected on children’s toys. Pesticide concentrations on hands and feet were positively correlated to concentrations on floors and toys (Spearman’s rho=0.452-0.691, p<0.01). Using insecticide in houses were related to cypermethrin concentrations on children’s hands and feet (p<0.05). Blood cholinesterase levels among young children were lower than those in previous studies. Linear regression analysis revealed that more frequent hands/feet washing (β=-0.236, p=0.067) and showering (β=-0.240, p=0.056) was negatively associated with chlorpyrifos residue on childrens’ hands and feet. General symptoms (nausea, vomiting and anorexia) were significantly related to PChE (p<0.05). Health risk assessment of young children were not concerned from dermal exposure via children’s hands and feet from pesticide exposure to chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and permethrin, that the HI of young children were lower than the acceptable level (HI<1). Pesticide exposures can be found in the child’s residential environment as well as through their activities and behaviours. These exposures can cause several adverse health effects. The circumstances associated with pesticide exposure should be reduced to improve the environment of children living agricultural areas.