Abstract

Aim: Pesticide exposure poses significant public health risks due to environmental persistence, toxicity, and increasing cases of self-harm through pesticide ingestion. This review evaluates hair as a non-invasive matrix for pesticide biomonitoring, focusing on commonly detected pesticides, extraction and analytical techniques, and recent advancements for improved sensitivity and accuracy. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on pesticide detection in hair, analyzing extraction and analytical techniques such as Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Methods were compared based on sensitivity, recovery, and precision to determine their suitability for exposure assessment and forensic investigations. Conclusion: Hair serves as a valuable, non-invasive matrix for pesticide biomonitoring, aiding both environmental exposure studies and forensic toxicology. Continuous advancements in eco-friendly extraction methods and high-sensitivity detection techniques will further refine its applicability. Standardized protocols are essential for ensuring data comparability and enhancing the reliability of pesticide exposure assessments, particularly in cases of intentional poisoning.

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