Exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides in the U.S. general population: Data from the 2015-2016 national health and nutrition examination survey.

Background: Neonicotinoids are used for insect control in agriculture, landscaping, and on household pets. Neonicotinoids have become popular replacements for organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, and use is on the rise.

Objectives: To assess human exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides in a representative sample of the U.

Quantification of DEET and neonicotinoid pesticide biomarkers in human urine by online solid-phase extraction high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used replacements for organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, but the extent of human exposure is largely unknown. On the other hand, based on urinary concentrations of DEET metabolites, human exposure to N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) appears to be widespread. We developed a fast online solid-phase extraction high-performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method to measure in 200 μL of human urine the concentrations of six neonicotinoid biomarkers (acetamiprid, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid, thiacloprid), and two DEET biomarkers (3-diethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid, 3-ethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid).