Keywords
chlorpyrifos
placenta
Argentina
gestation
How to Cite
Abstract
Exposure to banned organochlorine pesticides (BOCPs) and other currently used pesticides (CUPs) can occur at farming sites subjected to chemical pest control. Apple, pear and fine fruit crops are grown in the rural areas of the Río Negro, Neuquén Provinces and Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Chemical control was historically carried out using BOCPs, while now CUPs are used. In Argentina, particularly in this area, the level of pesticides in the placenta is unknown. In this pilot study, BOCP and CUP concentrations were determined in pregnant women living in Northern Patagonia. Placentas were collected (n=20), and maternal data and neonatal and placental anthropometric parameters were recorded. Residues of chlorpyrifos, trifluralin, chlorothalonil, HCHs, HCB, endosulfans, DDTs, chlordane and heptachlor were quantified by GC-ECD. The total concentration of pesticides in the placentas was 1 425.38 ± 1 659.19 ng/g lip, where ΣDDTs and chlorpyrifos exceed the levels reported in Asia, Europe and Africa. Chlorpyrifos was detected in 95% of the samples (106.17 ± 148.14 ng/g lip). The levels of pp ́-DDE, endosulfan sulfate, a-chlordane and g-HCH were associated with a lower neonatal mass index. Significantly higher concentrations of DDT, pp ́-DDE, pp ́-DDD and heptachlor-epoxide were found in mothers living in rural areas versus urban areas. Pregnant women living in northern Patagonia are exposed to a complex mixture of neurotoxic pesticides that can affect newborns through placental transfer.
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