Pesticide analysis in hair samples of children with exogenous obesity from rural and urban areas
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol.125, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 125
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.105064
- Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, Environment Index, Greenfile, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: Children, Hair analysis, Obesity, Pesticide
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study assessed pesticide levels in hair from children with exogenous obesity. A total of 215 children aged 1–10 years with exogenous obesity residing in rural (n = 110) or urban areas (n = 105) for at least six months were included in the study. Hair samples (50–100 mg) collected from the occipital region of each child were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for a total 60 pesticides. A total of 22 pesticide-positive results were detected, including alachlor, oxamyl, deltamethrin and haloxyfop. The overall positive detection rate was 82%, with 84% in rural areas, and 81% in urban areas. Pesticide levels did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas. Bifenazate showed a significant area–gender interaction without pairwise differences; oxamyl showed only a significant gender effect, not area or interaction. This is the first comprehensive study in Turkey to analyze pesticides in children using hair samples, showing simultaneous exposure to multiple contaminants.