Kumar_2024_Environ.Res__118961

Biomonitoring of pesticide exposure has become a public concern due to the potential health effects. This study investigated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory levels and associated health effects in agricultural areas in Telangana, India. The cross-sectional study was conducted with 341 exposed and 151 control subjects from agricultural areas. A structured questionnaire was completed, and blood and urine samples were collected to measure pesticides, DAP metabolites and AChE activity using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. 28 pesticides were detected in blood samples with concentrations ranging from 0.20-15.12 ng/mL. Six DAP metabolites were also measured in urine, and all DAP metabolites were significantly higher in the exposed group. AChE activity was significantly reduced in individuals exposed for more than ten years, raising concerns about possible neurological disorders. These results emphasise the urgent need to investigate the health effects of exposure to pesticides, especially in agriculture.