Acute and Chronic Exposure Assessment of Organophosphate Pesticides through the Consumption of Fruit Vegetables

Abstract

In this study, we monitored the residues of organophosphate pesticides (OP) in eight fruit vegetables grown in Korea, and assessed risk levels of acute and chronic exposure of OP through the consumption of fruit vegetables. Chlorpyrifos, EPN, methidathion and phosphamidon in eight fruit vegetables were detected in this study. The results of cumulative assessment of national estimated short term intake for acute exposure of OP were due to the following order; eggplant, tomato, squash and cucumber. Total theoretical maximum daily intake calculated at first step of chronic exposure assessment for registered OP in Korea was 76.14%, compared with acceptable daily intake ADI) based on chlorpyrifos. In addition, total national estimated maximum daily intake calculated at second step of chronic exposure assessment was 13.949%, compared with ADI. Third chronic assessment was conducted by probabilistic approach using OP residues detected in eight fruit vegetables and showed that total exposure risk was very low, corresponding to 0.0001% compared to ADI. Based on those finding, the risk of organophosphate pesticides in fruit vegetables was considered quantitatively negligible. In future, further investigation to expand the target should be followed to do more accurate and detailed risk assessment.

Pesticide residue monitoring and risk assessment in the herbal fruits Schisandra chinensis, Lycium chinense, and Cornus officinalis in Korea

“…In spite of their protection of plants, many pesticides are toxic and pose many side effects, including environmental and human health problems, if they are not used properly. Currently, pesticide residues in agricultural commodities are monitored worldwide (Akoto et al, 2013;Diop et al, 2016;Golge et al, 2018;Kumari and John, 2019;Park et al, 2014) to protect consumer health, promote the management of agricultural resources and reduce economic losses.…”