A mixed-methods study of pesticide exposures in Breastmilk and Community & Lactating Women’s perspectives from Haryana, India

BackgroundPopulation growth which has resulted in a need for increased crop yields to sustain food security, in addition to the effects of climate change, have led to the widespread use of chemical pesticides. The indiscriminate use of pesticides has in turn led to contamination of the environment, food commodities and bioaccumulation in human tissues, particularly in agrarian regions of India including the northern state of Haryana.MethodsWe conducted a pilot screening study to investigate the presence of organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid pesticides in breastmilk samples (n = 75) from Haryana, India. Pesticide analyses were conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for OC and OP pesticides and GC-electron capture detector for pyrethroids. The study was complemented by a qualitative evaluation of maternal and community perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with pesticide use and risk of exposure (n = 30 in-depth interviews;n = 9 focus group discussions).ResultsAnalysis of breastmilk showed the presence ofp,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) andp,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in 4% (range: Our qualitative findings showed that community members commonly held perceptions of pesticides as medicines and poison but acknowledged their widespread use to ensure crop yields. Given the gendered engagement in farming in this setting, lactating women in study communities do not directly handle chemical pesticides, thus lowering risk of inhalation and dermal exposure.ConclusionsIn our small sample, breastmilk pesticide concentrations were low and did not pose a risk to infants. Based on the persistent nature of many organic pollutants and reported widespread use, we recommend more comprehensive and longitudinal investigation of upstream pesticide contamination in the food supply and exposures among mothers and children.Trial registrationCTRI/2017/01/007636, Date Registered: 06/01/2017.CTRI website:http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=17249&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2717249det%27