Organochlorine pesticide exposure among agricultural workers in Colombian regions with illegal crops: an exploration in a hidden and dangerous world

Int J Environ Health Res. 2010 Dec;20(6):407-14. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2010.491855.

Abstract

A previous study suggested that banned organochlorine pesticides were being used to protect illegal crops from pests. The study herein explored the exposure of individuals living in a region with such crops. Samples from 99 individuals were collected during 2005 and 2006 and organochlorine pesticides were quantified using chromatography in serum samples. We detected heptachlor (72.73%), 4,4-DDE (19.19%), aldrin (15.15%), γ-chlordane (12.12%), dieldrin (11.11%), α-chlordane (10,10%), α-endosulfan (8.08%), endosulfan (6.06%), β-endosulfan (5.05%), oxychlordane (3.03%), 4,4-DDT (3.03%), and 2,4-DDT (2.02%). Heptachlor had a skewed and negative distribution (median: 8.69 ng/l and maximum: 43.8 ng/l). A two-dimensional biplot suggested that mixtures present were endosulfan/4,4-DDT, aldrin/γ-chlordane, and oxychlordane/β-endosulfan/dieldrin. We did not identify variables associated with exposure levels. These data suggest that banned organochlorine pesticides are used. This is an example of research in a war context, where the problems related with pesticides are complex, and their implications go beyond a toxicological or epidemiological viewpoint.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agriculture*
  • Coca / growth & development
  • Colombia
  • Crops, Agricultural / growth & development
  • Endosulfan / analysis
  • Endosulfan / blood
  • Endosulfan / toxicity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / analysis
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / blood
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / toxicity
  • Insecticides / analysis
  • Insecticides / blood
  • Insecticides / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Papaver / growth & development
  • Warfare

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Insecticides
  • Endosulfan