Human biomonitoring of pyrethrum and pyrethroid insecticides used indoors: determination of the metabolites E-cis/trans-chrysanthemumdicarboxylic acid in human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with negative chemical ionization.

This work describes a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method employing negative chemical ionization (NCI) for the determination of E-cis/trans-chrysanthemumdicarboxylic acid (CDCA) in human urine used as a biomarker for the exposure to pyrethrum and/or certain pyrethroids in insecticide formulations applied indoors. Mixed-mode solid phase extraction was utilized for sample cleanup. Extraction recoveries ranged from 92 to 104% (2-9% R.S.D.). The acids were esterified with 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) allowing both their gas chromatographic separation and their sensitive mass spectrometric detection under NCI conditions. Detection limits of ca. 0.05 microg/l urine were achieved.

Development of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of household insecticides in indoor air.

This work presents a GC-MS method for the determination of 17 household insecticides and acaricides in indoor air. Air samples were collected with a sampling train which consisted of a glass fibre filter and two polyurethane foam plugs, followed by a high-volume air pump. Filters and plugs were analysed separately. The overall recoveries ranged from 85 to 109% (4-11% RSD). Minimum method detection limits between 0.1 and 5 ng/m3 were determined.