BIOMONITORING FOR PESTICIDE EXPOSURE

The biological monitoring of pesticide residues and metabolites is becoming increasingly important in the surveillance of occupationally and environmentally exposed individuals. Detection of these compounds in the body indicates that an exposure has occurred; that the pesticide is bioavailable, having been absorbed; and that a dose to critical tissues may have been incurred. Biomarker methods such as for adducted proteins or nucleic acids are being investigated for some pesticides. However, the chemical analyses of readily sampled matrices, such as urine and blood, for parent compound and/or metabolite(s) remain the standard tools of the trade. Methods are becoming more sensitive as advances are made in analytical instrumentation systems. Immunochemical methods are being developed and emphasized for screening purposes, as well as for an enhanced sensitivity and the potential to detect parent compound and multiple metabolites through selective cross-reactivity. When initiating the biomonitoring component of an exposure assessment for pesticides an array of decisions must be made, primarily based on what is known about the metabolism of the pesticide of interest. Detectability of pesticide exposure depends upon selecting the most appropriate biological matrix, the dominant analyte(s) in that matrix, and the timing of sample collection relative to exposure. Useful analytical results are dependent on proper handling and storage of biological samples, as well as the availability of sensitive analytical methods. These factors, currently known biomonitoring approaches, and the results of selected recent biomonitoring studies are presented.