A cross-sectional study of human health risk assessment related to chili
consumption was done from October 2010 to February 2011 in Hua Rua agricultural community
at Hua Rua sub-district, Muang district, Ubon Ratchathani province. Socio-demographic and
dietary survey were completed by face-to-face questionnaire among 110 local people (45 males
and 65 females). The result showed that the age of participants ranged from 15 to 79 years. The
average weight (± S.D.) was 57 ± 10 kg. The average daily intake of chili was 0.018 kg/day
which was higher than the average of general Thais (0.005 kg/day). For pesticide residues
analysis, thirty-three chili samples were collected from farm after the day 7th of pesticides
application. Chili samples were extracted using QuEChERS technique and quantified by gas
chromatography equipped with flame photometric detector (FPD). Chlorpyrifos and profenofos
(organophosphate pesticide) were commonly detected in the range of < 0.010-1.303 mg/kg and
0.520-6.290 mg/kg, respectively. For exposure assessment, an average daily dose (ADD) of
chlorpyrifos and profenofos were 1.07 × 10-4 mg/kg-day and 8.00 × 10-4 mg/kg-day, respectively.
A potential health risk characterization was indicated that risk characterization of chlorpyrifos did
not exceed an acceptable risk ratio (hazard quotient; HQ < 1.0), but risk characterization of
profenofos exceeded an acceptable risk ratio (HQ > 1.0). In conclusion, the local people in this
area might be getting non-carcinogenic adverse health effects from profenofos residues in chili.
This study suggested that an appropriated risk communication for pesticide residues reduction
should be recommended for the Hua Rua community.