Evaluation of Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers in the blood of agrochemicals retailers in Taraba, Nigeria

Abstract

The exposure to hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers has been a concern to public health, because of their persistence, toxicity and carcinogenicity. Blood of agrochemicals retailers were analyzed for HCH –isomers and metabolite in selected retail outlets in North and Southern senatorial district of Taraba, Nigeria. The retailers were group into five exposure duration based on their years of involvement in trade viz; 1-5years, 610years, 11-15years, 16-20years, ≥ 21years.The residues analyses shows that 45 (50) retailers had residues of α HCH, β HCH, γ HCH, δ HCH, chlordane and Heptachlor in their blood. 90% of the retailers had α HCH at mean concentration of 0.0087mg/l, ranged from n.d-0.0511mg/l.64% β HCH(mean=0.0116mg/l, range=n.d-0.0411mg/l), 74% γ -HCH(mean=0.0180mg/l, range=n.d-0.050mg/l),4% δ HCH(mean=0.0002mg/l ,range=n.d-0.050mg/l), 54% chlordane(mean=0.0017mg/l,range=n.d-0.0017mg/l) and 2%Heptachlor(mean=0.0009mg/l,range=n.d-0.0059mg/l).The total content HCH isomers(sum of α, β , γ and δ HCH ) in the whole blood samples was 0.0382mg/l and ranged from 0.0100-0.1214mg/l. The observed trend for all the HCH isomers and metabolite were of no adverse and comparatively lower than the NOAEL and results from other findings. In conclusion, agrochemicals retailers in Taraba, Nigeria are occupationally exposed to and carry a body burden of pesticide, due to the sales, and handling of pesticide in stores.