Perceptions on pesticides: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of residents in Trinidad and Tobago.

Extensive pesticide use in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) raises concerns for human and environmental health. Therefore, this study sought to assess the general knowledge, attitudes and practices of T&T residents on pesticides and related topics. Using convenience (non-probability) sampling, a questionnaire was administered to residents of Trinidad ( = 572) and Tobago ( = 68).

Enhanced digestion of complex cosmetic matrices for analysis of As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb using triton X-100.

A suitable optimized digestion method for lipsticks and powders for the analysis of As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (HG-AAS), Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was developed using common acid digestion methods enhanced by the use of Triton X-100. The three acid digestion methods used in this study were Method A (nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide), Method B (nitric acid and hydrochloric acid) and Method C (nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide). Triton X-100 was added to each of these and the effects were studied.

Total and Estimated Inorganic Arsenic Levels in Imported and Local Chicken Sold in Trinidad and Tobago.

Abstract: Arsenic contamination in chicken is a cause of concern because of the potential health problems that may arise. In Trinidad and Tobago, chicken consumption averages about 53.8 kg per person per year, and chicken accounts for 85% of all the meat consumed locally.

Optimization of instrument conditions for the analysis for mercury, arsenic, antimony and selenium by atomic absorption spectroscopy.

The chemical vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry technique is extremely popular for trace analysis specifically hydride generation continuous flow systems for arsenic, antimony, selenium and cold vapor for mercury. Optimizing the instrument parameters as well as the hydride generating reactions will improve the sensitivity and reliability of the results obtained. The advantage of optimizing these conditions increases the production of hydrides or vapor species formed thereby improving recoveries.

The evaluation of total mercury and arsenic in skin bleaching creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago and their potential risk to the people of the Caribbean.

Skin lightening is very popular among women and some men of the Caribbean, and its popularity appears to be growing. The lightening of skin colour is done to produce a lighter complexion which is believed to increase attractiveness, social standing and improves one's potential of being successful. Fifteen (15) common skin lightening creams found in pharmacies and cosmetic retailers throughout Trinidad and Tobago were evaluated for Mercury by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CVAAS) and Arsenic by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (HGAAS).

Optimization of an acid digestion procedure for the determination of Hg, As, Sb, Pb and Cd in fish muscle tissue.

A simple, efficient and cost effective method was developed and optimized for the digestion of fish tissue for the determination of Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, Arsenic and Selenium by FAAS, CVAAS and HGAAS. Three of the more common classical open tubed acid digestion procedures were explored with the purpose of optimizing the variables and selecting the single most efficient, convenient and inexpensive digestion method. The effect of parameters such as digestion media, digestion time and digestion temperature on the efficiency of extraction of heavy metals from fish tissue was examined.

Mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead in two commercial shark species (Sphyrna lewini and Caraharinus porosus) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Sharks are long-lived apex predators which can accumulate toxic metals such as mercury and arsenic. Samples of Sphyrna lewini and Carcharinus porosus were collected from two commercial fish landing sites in Trinidad. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in the muscle, dorsal fin, vertebrae and liver using atomic absorption spectrometric.