Human Exposure of Fipronil Insecticide and the Associated Health Risk

Abstract

Fipronil, as an emerging phenylpyrazole insecticide, is ubiquitous in the environment and food due to its broad spectrum and persistent characteristics, but the research on pathways of human exposure to fipronil and the associated health risk is relatively unclear. In this regard, we summarize potential human exposures to fipronil through ingestion and inhalation, as well as results of human biomonitoring studies. This scientific information will contribute to future assessment of fipronil exposure and subsequent characterization of human health risks. Additionally, this Perspective highlights the lack of epidemiological studies and total diet studies for the general population on fipronil.

Exposure Routes and Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Application

“…Respiratory exposure (via inhalation or breathing) occurs because of the volatile components of pesticides [69][70][71][72] and it is dangerous to workers' health, especially their nose, throat, and lung tissues if they inhale large amounts of pesticides in the environment through air, water, and soil [33,[70][71][72][73]. For example, Yoshida et al [72] evaluated household exposure to pyrethroids through all exposure pathways and discussed the contribution of the inhalation pathway in Japanese children.…”

Occurrence of Phenylpyrazole and Diamide Insecticides in Lactating Women and Their Health Risks for Infants

“…11−17 Although studies on fipronil have mainly focused on its impact on the aquatic environment in the past decade, 17,18 its impact on human health has attracted more and more attention. 19 The possible adverse effects of fipronil on human health are considered to be related to abnormal thyroid function and infant growth and development. 20−22 Some studies have reported human exposure to fipronil by ingesting indoor dust 23,24 and food, 11,25,26 and the average estimated daily intake dose of fipronil is 781 ng according to the fifth China Total Diet Study in Chinese adults.…”

“…This is also consistent with previous studies that found that dietary exposure is the main source of human exposure to fipronil. 19 In addition, we analyzed the correlation between the average level of total fipronils from breast milk in each province and the average dietary intake level of total fipronils from adults in each province of the sixth China Total Diet Study (Excel S2). However, no significant association was observed based on the Pearson correlation (r = 0.314; p = 0.135), suggesting that in addition to dietary exposure, other potential exposure pathways cannot be ignored, such as dust ingestion and air inhalation.…”

“…However, no significant association was observed based on the Pearson correlation (r = 0.314; p = 0.135), suggesting that in addition to dietary exposure, other potential exposure pathways cannot be ignored, such as dust ingestion and air inhalation. 19 From the perspective of urban and rural areas, the median concentration of total fipronils was 910 and 922 ng/L in the urban and rural areas, respectively. Figure S4 shows that there is no significant difference in the concentration of total fipronils between rural and urban areas (p > 0.05).…”

“…Considering that fipronil is highly unfriendly to the environment affecting butterflies and bees around crops, fipronil has been banned from crops in China since 2009 and can only be used for sanitary purposes . Nevertheless, a large amount of literature has reported the residue levels of fipronil and its metabolites in food, such as vegetables and fruits, eggs, milk, tea, and drinking water. − Although studies on fipronil have mainly focused on its impact on the aquatic environment in the past decade, , its impact on human health has attracted more and more attention . The possible adverse effects of fipronil on human health are considered to be related to abnormal thyroid function and infant growth and development. − …”