title: Pesticide residue transfer in Thai farmer families: using structural equation modeling to determine exposure pathways.
abstract: Use of pesticides in agriculture may lead to downstream exposure of farmers' families to pesticide residues inadvertently taken home. Identification of the independent contribution of different exposure pathways from the farmer to their children can provide clear targets to reduce exposure of farmers' children. Individual contributions of different pesticide transfer exposure pathways were investigated using structural equation modeling methods, and the benefits of these methods compared to standard multiple regression are described. A total of 72 Thai families, consisting of a farmer, a spouse, and a child, participated in this study. Family members completed a questionnaire and self-collected three spot morning urine samples in the spraying season. Urine samples were analyzed for diethyl phosphate, diethyl thiophosphate, diethyl dithiophosphate, dimethyl phosphate, dimethyl thiophosphate, and dimethyl dithiophosphate. A path model was developed based on an a priori hypothesized framework to examine the individual contributions of different exposure pathways that may directly or indirectly affect transfer of pesticide residues from farmers to their children. Transfer from the farmer to the child occurs indirectly, primarily through transfer to the spouse in the first instance, but also through contamination of the home environment. Clear targets for interventions are directly the reduction of farmers' take-home exposures and indirectly frequent cleaning of the home to avoid buildup of pesticide residues.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Hanhua
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Chalalai
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hanchenlaksh
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Povey
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Vocht
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis*; D013785:Thailand; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010573:Pesticide Residues