No abstract

Organochlorine Pesticide (OCP) residue were qualitatively and quantitatively determined using Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and their potential health risks assessed in kolanut (Cola nitida) samples from selected markets in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Health risk estimates were analyzed using Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI) and Hazard Index (HI) with risk categorized for non-carcinogenic health effects. A total of 17 OCPs were identified and their residues were detected in all the kolanut samples analyzed. The results showed that the mean concentration of p,p-DDE, Dieldrin, Endosulfan, and Lindane were 0.480±1.106 mg kg-1 , 0.310±0.442 mg kg-1 , 0.243±0.144 mg kg-1 and 0.044±0.041 mg kg-1 respectively. Among the OCPs analyzed, p,p-DDE and α-HCH were the dominant isomers for DDT and HCH, respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results showed that out of the 17 OCPs detected, p,p-DDE,

The authors assessed occupational exposure hazards among cacao farmers in Southwestern Nigeria. They administered structured questionnaires, supplemented with oral interviews, to 150 farmers to obtain information on insecticide use and perception of safety measures. The farmers used lindane, diazinon, endosulfan, and propoxur for cacao mirid control. Factors promoting exposure included eating and drinking during spraying operations, failure to use protective clothing, improper storage and disposal of insecticides. Varying proportions of the farmers experienced common symptoms associated with exposure hazards. Few presented for medical treatment with complaints of frequent fever, strained breathing, sleeplessness, loss of memory, etc., symptoms which are suggestive of chronic pesticide poisoning. The authors concluded that biological monitoring of the effects of insecticides on the health of the farmers is urgently needed together with awareness campaign and training on pesticide safety measures.

Graphical abstract

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent pesticides whose usage have been banned or restricted worldwide and the presence of its residues in vegetables could affect its nutritional quality as well cause adverse health effects. This study quantified the OCP residue levels in commonly grown and consumed vegetables and assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks from the consumption of the contaminated vegetables. The OCP residues levels in the extract from the vegetables were determined using a Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Health risk estimates were analysed using Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI), Hazard Index (HI), and Hazard Ratio (HR) for children (16.7 kg) and adults (60 kg) weight categories. The residue analysis indicated that amaranths had the highest mean concentration of endrin aldehyde (2.987 AE 0.391 mg kg-1) and endosulfan sulfate (0.661 AE 0.280 mg kg-1), while in fluted pumpkin, the highest mean concentrations were endrin aldehyde (3.491 AE 0.376 mg kg-1) and endosulfan sulfate (2.775 AE 0.644 mg kg-1). The percentage of the detected OCP residues above Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) ranged from 25% to 100% for both vegetables. Non-carcinogenic health risk estimates for the children weight category showed that aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, and heptachlor detected in both vegetables had HI > 1. While for adults, only aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and endrin aldehyde revealed non-carcinogenic effect in both vegetables. Human risk estimations for the carcinogenic health effect for the two vegetables showed that aldrin and dieldrin could pose carcinogenic health risks to adult, while aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide could pose carcinogenic health risks to children. The results revealed both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for the consumers of the contaminated vegetables from the selected locations in Southwestern Nigeria.