Exposure To Thiabendazole In Mothers And Children From The Infant's Environmental Health Study In Costa Rica Title has to be Title Case

摘要

Background: Thiabendazole (TBZ) is broadly used as a post-harvest fungicide in different crops, including banana where it is applied in packing plants. Teratogenic and endocrine disrupting effects of TBZ have been reported in mammals; however, studies on TBZ exposure are limited. Methods: As part of the ISA study, a birth cohort study of mother-child pairs living near banana plantations in Matina County, we measured 5-hydroxythiabendazole (5-OH-TBZ), main metabolite of TBZ, in urine samples collected from mothers during pregnancy (445 mothers, 909 samples) and when their children were 1 year of age (326 mothers). Urinary 5-OH-TBZ concentrations were also measured in samples collected from 68 1-year-old children. Results: Urinary 5-OH-TBZ concentrations measured in samples collected repeatedly from the same mother were moderately correlated (ICC=0.48). Child 5-OH-TBZ concentrations were associated with maternal 5-OH-TBZ concentrations (R~2=0.59, p<0.01). Women working in banana plantations' packing plants had urinary 5-OH-TBZ concentrations about ten times higher than women who did not (during pregnancy: GM=0.84 vs. 0.08 μg/L; and at child age 1 year: GM=0.86 vs. 0.07 μg/L, respectively). Similarly, infants whose mothers worked in banana packing plants had higher 5-OH-TBZ concentrations compared to infants whose mothers did not have this job (GM=1.77 vs. 0.14 μg/L, respectively), suggesting that mothers may transfer TBZ residues to their children. Correlations were similar for women who breastfed their children compared to women who did not. Other factors such as maternal age, distance between residence and plantation, and general pesticide use at home were not related to 5-OH-TBZ concentrations. Conclusions: Mothers working in banana plantations' packing plants are exposed to TBZ and may transfer the pesticide to their home environment. Following the precautionary principle, measures are needed to reduce exposure at work and avoid take-home exposure.