Chili, which is mostly grown in the Northeastern
of Thailand, is a famous agricultural product [35]. To
produce attractive and high quality chili, large amounts
of pesticides are applied, particularly those in the organophosphate
(OP) group. Organophosphates lead to
many adverse health effects in humans by inhibiting the
function of acetylcholinesterase [13]. Chili farming starts
around December and is worked until March/April each
year, Norkaew et al. [19] reported insufficient knowledge
and concern about pesticide usage among chili farmers in
the study area. Risk assessment of chili consumption in
this area demonstrated that the residue of Profenofos on
chilies was higher than the acceptable level suggested by
the hazard quotient (HQ > 1) [21]. However, multi-route of
exposure to pesticides among chili farmers was not studied
in this community. In this study it was sought to estimate
pesticide exposure levels through dermal and inhalation
pathway by measuring urinary metabolites as indicators
of pesticide exposure in biological monitoring. This could
provide understanding of the most relevant exposure route
to be able and help farmers increase their awareness and to
encourage personal protective equipment usage.