Biological monitoring of pesticide exposure: a review

The International Centre for Pesticide Safety, created in 1990 as a WHO Collaborating Centre, was asked to prepare a monograph on biological monitoring of pesticide active ingredients. A literature survey, consisting of works published since 1980, or earlier works published in reviews or WHO documents is presented. The chemical classes include organophosphorus, carbamate, dithiocarbamate, and organochlorine pesticides; synthetic pyrethroids, phenoxyacetate herbicides, coumarin rodenticides, quaternary ammonium compounds. Biomarkers of internal dose and effects are discussed. Information on individual compounds within a class is presented when available. Also included are atrazine compounds, chlorotriazine compounds, dinitro-o-cresol, and pentachlorophenol.