This study investigated pesticide exposure among low-socioeconomic status (SES) residents in Toronto social housing. Air samples from 46 units in seven buildings revealed that 89% contained at least one of 28 target pesticides. Current-use pyrethroids showed the highest detection frequencies and concentrations, but banned organochlorines (e.g., heptachlor) also had high concentrations, indicating persistence indoors. Tobacco smoking correlated with higher concentrations of several pesticides used on tobacco crops. The findings highlight widespread pesticide exposure in low-income housing due to pest infestations and pesticide use, emphasizing the need for improved pest management strategies and housing conditions.

Sara Vaezafshar, Jeffrey A. Siegel, Liisa Jantunen, Miriam L. Diamond