Analytical method validation for the evaluation of cutaneous occupational exposure to different chemical classes of pesticides

In occupational exposure to pesticides, validated methodologies are available only in regards to homogeneous chemical classes of substances and the inhaling exposure, neglecting the cutaneous one that, especially in agriculture, represents an important route of absorption. An analytical methodology for the simultaneous quantification of different chemical classes of pesticides by using pads as environmental matrix and GC–MS/SIM as detection method was developed and validated. The extraction step of analytes from pads was optimized by comparing analytes recovery percentages obtained with different extraction solvents. High recoveries were obtained with ether and, above all, with acetonitrile. Validation experiments following the Food and Drug Administration Guidelines were carried out.