Residues of legacy organochlorine pesticides and DDT metabolites in highly consumed fish from the polluted Guanabara Bay, Brazil: distribution and assessment of human health risk.

Organochlorine (OCP) pesticides were determined in samples of sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis), whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), and mullet (Mugil liza) from Guanabara Bay (state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). OCP concentrations and fish consumption were linked with acceptable daily intake values in order to assess the human health risk for the Brazilian population. The total concentrations of OCPs (Σ OCP) was 6.6 ng/g f.w., 7.5 ng/g f.w., and 2.8 ng/g f.w. for sardines, corvina, and mullet, respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) among the species related to o,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDT concentrations. Both DDT-related compounds were 5 and 76 times more abundant in sardines than in whitemouth croaker and mullet. Newly discovered DDT metabolite, o-Cl-DDMU, was frequently detected in the fish. None of the samples exceeded the maximum limits for acceptable levels of OCP residues. According to the data of average intake of Brazilian population, none of three species exceeded toxicological parameter. The investigated fishes are considered as safe for human consumption in regard to exposure of the studied OCPs. However, fish may be a intake source of OCP metabolites such as o-Cl-DDMU whose toxicity is still unknown.

Estimativa de ingestão de agrotóxicos organofosforados pelo consumo de frutas e hortaliças / Estimation of organophosphate pesticide ingestion through intake of fruits and vegetables

Resumo Introdução A agricultura no Brasil caracteriza-se pelo uso elevado de agrotóxicos. Os inseticidas organofosforados estão entre a classe de agrotóxicos mais intensamente aplicados. Objetivo: Estimar a ingestão de resíduo de agrotóxicos organofosforados por crianças e adultos, considerando o consumo da população brasileira e a recomendação diária de frutas e hortaliças (FH). Método Foram calculados a Estimativa Diária de Ingestão (EDI) e o percentual da Ingestão Diária Aceitável (%IDA) de acordo com a metodologia proposta pela WHO e FAO, em que %IDA > 100 caracteriza um possível risco de ingestão de agrotóxicos. Os dados sobre a concentração do agrotóxico no alimento foram obtidos do Programa de Análise de Resíduo de Agrotóxicos. Os dados sobre consumo do alimento e o peso corpóreo da população em estudo foram obtidos da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar de 2008-2009. A recomendação de ingestão de FH preconizada para uma dieta saudável foi de 400 gramas/dia. Resultados Com base no consumo alimentar da população brasileira, apenas o agrotóxico metidationa excedeu o parâmetro toxicológico de segurança para crianças. Caso o consumo de FH pela população brasileira alcançasse a recomendação da WHO, seis agrotóxicos excederiam o %IDA para crianças: diazinona, dicofol, dimetoato, metamidofós, metidationa e protiofós. Já para adultos, três agrotóxicos excederiam o %IDA: dicofol, metamidofós e metidationa, deflagrando o uso indiscriminado desses inseticidas. Conclusão A promoção do consumo de FH deve vir acompanhada de programas de monitoramento da comercialização, do uso desses agentes químicos e dos seus resíduos nos alimentos.

Abstract Background The agriculture of Brazil is characterized by the high use of pesticides. Among the most intensely applied pesticides is the class of organophosphate insecticides. Objective: Estimate organophosphate pesticide ingestion in children and adults considering the consumption and daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables (FV). Method Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and percentage of Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) were calculated according to the methodology proposed by WHO and FAO, where % ADI >100 features possible risk of pesticide ingestion. Data on pesticide residue in food obtained from the Pesticide Residue Analysis Program were used. National diet and body weight data of the studied population were obtained from the Household Budget Survey of 2008-2009. The recommended FV intake for a healthy diet used in this study was 400 grams/day. Results Based on the Brazilian population's daily food intake, methidathion was the only pesticide to exceed the toxicology standard for children. If the FV intake reached the level recommended by WHO, six pesticides would exceed the %ADI for children: diazinon, dicofol, dimethoate, methamidophos, methidathion and prothiofos, and three pesticides would exceed the %ADI for adults: dicofol, methamidophos, and methidathion, showing the excessive use of these chemicals. Conclusion Encouragement of FV consumption must be accompanied by programs that monitor the commercialization and use of these pesticides, as well as their residues in food.