Evaluation of pesticide residues in human blood samples from Punjab (India).

AIM The present study was undertaken to estimate the current status of residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphates (OPs) and synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) pesticides in human blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human blood samples were analyzed by gas chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in selective ion monitoring mode. RESULTS The gas chromatographic analysis of human blood samples collected from Punjab revealed the presence of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE), p,p' dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethane (DDD), o,p' DDE and β-endosulfan at mean levels of 15.26, 2.71, 5.62 and 4.02 ng/ml, respectively. p,p' DDE residue was observed in 18.0% blood samples, and it contributes 55% of the total pesticide burden in human blood. The difference of total dichlorordiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) between different age groups of humans was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The difference of DDT and endosulfan between dietary habits, gender and spraying of pesticides was found statistically non-significant, however endosulfan residues were observed only in pesticide sprayer's population. CONCLUSION Occurrence of p,p' DDE, p,p' DDD, o,p' DDE in human blood indicated restricted use of DDT. However, presence of endosulfan residues in occupationally exposed population is a matter of public health concern.