Pesticides in the atmosphere of urban sites with different characteristics

Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the greatest pesticide consumer, and associated health problems in local population have already been described. PM2.5 samples were collected in three sites with distinct characteristics and ten pesticides were determined. Population inhalation risk and influence of atmospheric transport in pesticide concentration were evaluated. In the agricultural site, the compounds with higher frequency of detection and concentrations were lambda-cyhalothrin, kresoxim-methyl, and atrazine, while in urban and in-dustrial sites, permethrin and malathion. Backward trajectories showed the influence of atmospheric transport. The highest values of daily inhalation exposure in infants were for heptachlor in all three sites. Values of hazard quotients indicated that there is no danger for the exposed population. On the other hand, cancer risk potential results were higher than values recommended by EPA to heptachlor and malathion. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)