title: Analysis of endosulfan and its metabolites in human serum using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
abstract: A new analytical method combining solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) is proposed to determine the insecticide endosulfan as well as its metabolites endosulfan-ether, -lactone, and -sulfate in human serum. Most matrix interferences are avoided using a cleanup step included in the sample treatment and an instrumental technique such as GC-MS-MS, which presents a high sensitivity and selectivity. Recoveries of spiked compounds range between 94.8 and 100.4% and 93.4 and 99.7% at fortification levels of 10 and 30 ng/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviation is lower than 17.6% in all cases, and the limits of detection calculated range from 6 to 19 pg/mL. Serum samples of nine agricultural workers that spray endosulfan into greenhouses in Almería (Spain) and two nonoccupationally exposed people are analyzed, and endosulfan is found in all the samples studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Almería, Spain.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Arrebola
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Martínez Vidal
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernández-Gutiérrez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004726:Endosulfan / Q000097:blood*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides; D004726:Endosulfan