Estimation of organophosphate pesticide ingestion through intake of fruits and vegetables

Abstract Background The agriculture of Brazil is characterized by the high use of pesticides. Among the most intensely applied pesticides is the class of organophosphate insecticides. Objective: Estimate organophosphate pesticide ingestion in children and adults considering the consumption and daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables (FV). Method Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and percentage of Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) were calculated according to the methodology proposed by WHO and FAO, where % ADI >100 features possible risk of pesticide ingestion. Data on pesticide residue in food obtained from the Pesticide Residue Analysis Program were used. National diet and body weight data of the studied population were obtained from the Household Budget Survey of 2008-2009. The recommended FV intake for a healthy diet used in this study was 400 grams/day. Results Based on the Brazilian population’s daily food intake, methidathion was the only pesticide to exceed the toxicology standard for children. If the FV intake reached the level recommended by WHO, six pesticides would exceed the I for children: diazinon, dicofol, dimethoate, methamidophos, methidathion and prothiofos, and three pesticides would exceed the I for adults: dicofol, methamidophos, and methidathion, showing the excessive use of these chemicals. Conclusion Encouragement of FV consumption must be accompanied by programs that monitor the commercialization and use of these pesticides, as well as their residues in food.