222c - Human biomonitoring of neonicotinoid insecticides in environmental and occupational settings

Neonicotinoid insecticides and neonicotinoid-like compounds (NNIs) are the most widely used insecticides in the world, accounting for over 25% of the insecticide market. In recent years, NNIs have been identified as potential hazards to humans and are included in chemical priority lists in the European Union, the United States, and Canada. However, NNIs such as acetamiprid and flupyradifurone, are still widely used as plant protection products throughout the EU. Additionally, imidacloprid is still used as a flea treatment for cats, dogs and other pets. Human biomonitoring allows for a quantitative assessment of internal chemical exposures by analysing biological media. Despite growing concern about the hazardous properties of NNIs, there have only been a few human biomonitoring (HBM) studies investigating NNI exposures conducted in the EU and none in Ireland. The EIRE ‘nEonicotinoid Insecticide exposuREs’ project is a human biomonitoring study investigating exposures to NNIs among the general population and occupational users of NNIs in Ireland. Urine samples from the general Irish population (n=227) were analysed for seven major NNIs using LC-MS/MS Of those samples, 76% had quantifiable levels of at least one NNI, indicating a potential for widespread exposure of NNIs among the Irish population. An occupational study of professional gardeners and pet shelter workers who use NNIs will commence in 2024. Preliminary results from the general Irish population study and the recruitment strategy for the occupational studies of professional gardeners and pet shelter workers will be presented.