Non-carcinogenic health risk from carbamate pesticide exposure of toddlers living in agricultural areas of Thailand

Abstract

Toddlers in agricultural areas may be athave risk from pesticide exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 toddlers and their caregivers. Face-to-face interviews were done to gather information about exposure factors. A wipe sampling technique was used to collect carbamate residues on each toddler’s hands and feet. Results showed that there were carbamate residues on all wipe samples (100%), with a median concentration of 30.47 micrograms per sample (hands and feet). Carbamate residues detected on toddlers’ hands and feetwere significantly associated (p < 0.05) with many factors, including the toddlers’ relationships with caregivers, the education level of caregivers, the household incomes, the gender of toddlers, the frequency of following caregivers to farms, the frequency of foot washing, daytime activities, and playing durations. The health risk from dermal carbamate exposurewas above the acceptable range (HI = 3.244). Preventive measures should be considered to reduce toddlers’ pesticide exposure in agricultural areas.