title: Analytical approaches for determining human exposure to pesticides.
abstract: The presence of pesticides, both persistent and biodegradable, in the environment is a problem which is both significant and potentially dangerous to humans. An index of biodegradability is presented which is based on the correlation between environmental stability and fat solubility. Halogenated pesticides are, therefore, both more fat soluble and more resistant to biodegradation, while methylated pesticides are more water soluble and, therefore, more biodegradable. Three methods for detecting low-levels of halogenated pesticides are presented: the Macro, the Micro "Florisil," and the Micro "Silica." A method is also presented to detect these chemicals in blood. Two methods for the detection of nonpersistent, organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides, Cholinesterase inhibition and urinary metabolites, are described. Finally, methods of monitoring human exposure through the detection of phenols, phenoxy acids, alkyl phosphates, and anilines are presented.
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000032:analysis; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D010575:Pesticides