Urinary concentration of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid in elementary students in South Korea

• Published in: 환경독성보건학회지, 30(0) pp. 1 - 5
• Main Authors: Hye Mi Jo, 하미나, 이원진
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 환경독성보건학회 01.07.2015
• Subjects: 기타의약학
• ISSN: 2093-6400

Objectives Pyrethroid pesticides are among the most commonly using insecticides in South Korean households and have been the subject of considerable interest among public health professionals for their potential health effects. The objective of this study is to examine the level of urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) among elementary students in South Korea. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate pyrethroid pesticide exposure levels by measuring the urinary metabolites of 3-PBA using a gas chromatographymass spectrometry method in March 2011. Study participants were 70 Asan-area and Incheon-area elementary students. Results All respondents had values above the detection limit, and the geometric means of 3-PBA in all children were 1.85 μg/L and 1.46 μg/g creatinine. Children with the top 10% urinary levels of 3-PBA were more likely to be girls, under nine years of age, living in a rural area, and living in a residential type apartment. Conclusions South Korean children have a higher concentration of urinary 3-PBA compared with those of other countries. Further research identifying exposure pathways and intervention efforts to reduce environmental pesticide use are needed in South Korea. KCI Citation Count: 0