Pesticide residues in the coffee industry - an occupational concern?

ABSTRACT: The dust from grain processing and storage is a significant occupational hazard in agroindustries. Monitoring suspended particulates is critical for protecting agribusiness workers’ health and preventing potential health risks. This study analyzed the physical and chemical characteristics of suspended dust in coffee storage units. Dust samples were collected weekly at three heights in two agro-industrial cooperatives in southern Minas Gerais. Granulometry was determined using sieves with 12, 20, 40, 60, 70 and 100 mesh. Pesticide residues were assessed using the QuEChERS method, focusing on compounds commonly used in coffee production. Particle size analysis revealed that 66.1% of the dust from the specialty coffee cooperative had a diameter between 0.840 mm and 1.68 mm, compared to 67.2% in the commodity coffee cooperative. Pesticide residues exceeding maximum residue limits were identified, including thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin in specialty coffee dust, and cyproconazole in commodity coffee dust. Future research is strongly recommended to better understand the causes of agrochemical residues in dust and to identify strategies for their reduction.