BIOMONITORING OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES AND BIOLOGICAL MATRICES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose. This article presents a comprehensive literature review on current approaches and trends in biomonitoring of human exposure to pesticides, using various biological matrices such as blood, urine, hair, etc. The primary objective of the study is to identify the most suitable biological matrix for the development and implementation of an effective algorithm to assess the health impact of pesticide exposure among the population of Moldova.

Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted, focusing on biomonitoring studies related to pesticide exposure in humans, major exposure pathways, and the application of different biological matrices. The search covered the following databases: Hinari (WHO), Medscape, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Key search terms included: biomonitoring, pesticides, biological matrices, health risks.

Results. The analysis highlights contemporary biomonitoring techniques used to assess human exposure to pesticides, along with a critical evaluation of the advantages and limitations of various biological matrices. Based on the reviewed evidence, this study proposes criteria for selecting the most effective matrix to support reliable and reproducible pesticide exposure assessment within the framework of public health monitoring in Moldova.

Conclusions. Biomonitoring represents an essential tool in occupational and environmental health for evaluating pesticide exposure among both workers and the general population living in agricultural areas. The results of biomonitoring facilitate the identification of exposure levels, risk groups, and the effectiveness of preventive and regulatory measures. Selection of an appropriate biological matrix should take into account the physicochemical properties of the pesticide, sample accessibility, practicality of collection and storage, and adherence to ethical standards. Furthermore, the matrix must be compatible with the analytical method to ensure accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability in detecting specific pesticides or their metabolites.