Health risks of pesticide use and agricultural products contamination in the Plateaux region of Togo, West Africa

This study assesses pesticide in crops from Togo's Plateaux region and evaluates health risks associated with farmers' exposure during pesticide application. A survey was conducted involving 350 farmers and 48 pesticide sellers. Operator exposure was assessed using the British Predictive Operator Exposure Model (U.K.-POEM) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) calculator. A multi-residue analysis of 51 pesticides was carried out after a QuECHERS extraction and purification, using a gas chromatography system on six types of agricultural products during both rainy and dry seasons. The survey established the profile of pesticides in use. The herbicide spectrum was dominated by glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, nicosulfuron, paraquat, and propanil. For insect control, applications primarily relied on λ-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and chlorpyrifos. Notably, 83% of operators reported not using personal protection equipment during mixing, loading or spraying. Modelling indicated high-risk exposure levels (Risk Quotient >1) for all pesticides, highlighting inadequate phytosanitary practices Residue analysis detected 13 pesticides. The most frequently detected were chlorpyrifos, endosulfan sulfate, acetamiprid and lambda-cyhalothrin. In the most contaminated produce, lettuce and cabbage, total pesticides concentrations ranged from 69 to 219 and 192 to 330 ng/kg respectively with higher contamination levels observed in the dry season. This study reveals the likelihood of elevated pesticide exposure in Togo, taking into account agriculture products contamination and operator exposure, raising concerns about long-term health risks such as chronic cancer and autism. Further assessment of drinking water contamination by these organic pollutants is warranted.