Pesticide analysis in hair samples of children with exogenous obesity from rural and urban areas.

This study assessed pesticide levels in hair from children with exogenous obesity. A total of 215 children aged 1-10 years with exogenous obesity residing in rural (n = 110) or urban areas (n = 105) for at least six months were included in the study. Hair samples (50-100 mg) collected from the occipital region of each child were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for a total 60 pesticides. A total of 22 pesticide-positive results were detected, including alachlor, oxamyl, deltamethrin and haloxyfop. The overall positive detection rate was 82%, with 84% in rural areas, and 81% in urban areas. Pesticide levels did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas. Bifenazate showed a significant area-gender interaction without pairwise differences; oxamyl showed only a significant gender effect, not area or interaction. This is the first comprehensive study in Turkey to analyze pesticides in children using hair samples, showing simultaneous exposure to multiple contaminants.