Sampling scheme for pyrethroids on multiple surfaces on commercial aircrafts

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Aviation Safety

Background:

• Aircraft disinsection using pesticides like pyrethroids is a global health regulation.
• Pesticide application poses potential dermal and inhalation exposure risks to aircraft crew and passengers.
• Accurate monitoring of pesticide residues on diverse aircraft surfaces is crucial for exposure assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simple wipe sampler for collecting permethrin residue from aircraft interiors.
• To assess the efficiency of the wipe method on both soft and hard aircraft surfaces.
• To provide a tool for monitoring pesticide levels in commercial aviation environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of a filter paper and water-based wipe sampler.
• Analysis of permethrin using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) after ultrasonic extraction into hexane.
• Validation of the method by applying known amounts of permethrin to various aircraft surface materials.

Main Results:

• The wipe sampler demonstrated high recovery rates (80-100%) for permethrin on hard surfaces like table trays, seat handles, and rugs.
• Moderate recovery rates (40-50%) were observed for permethrin on soft surfaces, specifically seat cushions.
• The method is user-friendly, requires minimal training, and complies with airline security regulations.

Conclusions:

• The developed wipe sampler is a practical and effective tool for assessing permethrin contamination on aircraft surfaces.
• This method can contribute to better risk management and mitigation of pesticide exposure in aviation.
• The sampler's adaptability makes it suitable for various settings beyond aircraft, including residential environments.