Investigation of Organophosphorus and Carbamate Pesticide Residues in Tobacco Produced and Imported in Iran in 1400

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate some pesticides, including organic phosphorus compounds and carbamates, on tobacco leaves, which are commonly used in agricultural activities to increase crop production around the world. Humans are exposed to pesticides through residues left in fields, which have harmful effects on the body. Methods: The study collected a total of ten samples of tobacco leaves, five from different cultivation areas in Iran and five from five different countries as imported samples. The collection was done three times to ensure that the results were reliable and consistent. To determine the residual concentration of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides, we collected 210 samples using the QuEChER method to prepare the samples. The residual levels of 26 pesticides were measured using the GC-ECD and UHPLC-MS/MS methods. Results: Most samples had residual levels of pesticides below the detection limit. However, in Iranian samples, the highest average concentrations were found for Thiodicarb (μg/kg 525.2), Chlorpyrifos (μg/kg 499), Dichlorvos (μg/kg 260.3), Penconazole (μg/kg 208), Thiophanate-methyl pesticides (μg/kg 168.5). For imported samples, Thiodicarb (525.2 μg/kg) and Dichlorvos pesticides (260.3 μg/kg) had the highest average residual concentration. Conclusion: Despite severe restrictions on pesticide use in the sampled specimens, residual amounts of these chemicals persist, which can contribute to the adverse health effects of smoking. Therefore, more effective monitoring and surveillance measures are necessary.