From Farmworkers to Urban Residents: Mapping Multi-Class Pesticide Exposure Gradients in Morocco via Urinary...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Pesticide exposure pathways in North African agricultural settings are not well understood.
• Characterizing exposure gradients across different population groups is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate urinary pesticide concentrations in farmers, indirectly exposed individuals, and a control group in Morocco.
• To identify sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with pesticide exposure.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 154 adults in the Fez-Meknes region.
• Urine samples analyzed for pesticide concentrations using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Questionnaires collected data on potential risk factors and personal protective equipment (PPE) use.

Main Results:

• Farmers had the highest urinary pesticide levels, including WHO Class Ia/Ib compounds.
• Indirectly exposed individuals showed moderate contamination (e.g., dichlofluanid 22.13 µg/L).
• Control group had trace neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid 2.05 µg/L); low education, rural residence, and untreated water were risk factors; PPE use reduced exposure.

Conclusions:

• Intense occupational pesticide exposure occurs among farmers.
• Environmental contamination affects nearby residents and urban areas.
• Public health strategies should address exposure risks in agricultural communities, emphasizing education and safe water practices.