An innovative analytical approach for a comprehensive overview of internal exposure to pesticides

Abstract

Plant protection products used in agriculture contain molecules specifically designed to be toxic to target organisms. However, their use can also have unintended effects, posing potential risks to ecosystems and non-target organisms, including humans. Research has deepened our understanding of the links between exposure to these substances and the effects observed in the environment. In particular, studies have highlighted how even low levels of exposure can cause chronic effects on non-target organisms and disrupt ecosystems. These findings underscore the importance of quantifying and characterising these exposures in order to better assess their potential impacts on human health and the environment.International audienceHuman exposure to contaminants, including pesticides, is generally estimated using indirect methods. Conventional biomonitoring methods remain focused on a limited number of known substances, leaving the risks associated with multiple exposures currently underexplored.We propose an innovative approach to detect as many pesticide exposure markers as possible in an untargeted manner by combining three complementary mass spectrometry platforms coupled with chromatography. This approach, based on the exposome concept (Wild, David), allows us to produce exposure data on a wide range of pesticides and metabolites by screening a broad panel of exposure markers. The results demonstrate the added value of this approach, applied to two epidemiological studies (PELAGIE and Nutrinet-Santé), to test for associations with health parameters.</p