An assessment of health risks posed by consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables among residents in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda

Background: Pesticide use for fruits and vegetable production in Uganda may result presence of residues on produce which pose health risks to consumers. This research aimed at conducting a risk assessment pesticide vegetables Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda. Method: Pesticides were measured 160 samples analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Fruit consumption information was collected from 2,177 people. concentrations compared with European Union maximum residual limits (MRLs). Mean values concentrations; intake body weight used calculate the estimated daily (EDI) residues. EDI acceptable intakes (ADI) hazard quotient by age group, stage along chain. Results: Concentrations fonofos, fenitrothion fenhexamid above MRLs some samples. Hazard quotients based dietary ingestion scenarios eighteen pesticides, including dichlorvos (444) alanycarb (314), fonofos (68), (62), dioxacarb (55) benfuracarb (24) others, 1, indicating possibility chronic Chronic decreased but stable happens food The number pesticides greater than ADI increase age; 18, 13, 9, 11, 8, 9 groups <5, 5-12, 13-19, 20-25, 36-49 ≥50 respectively. Conclusion: exposures Ugandans are likely common, results exposure exceeding health-based benchmarks. Risks highest younger participants. There is urgent need monitoring regulation order protect consumers, especially children who more vulnerable adverse effects.