Environmental Organic Pollutants in Hair Samples from Sport Horses

Abstract

Background Previous studies have shown high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their risks in humans and domestic animals, especially in cats and dogs. However, studies regarding the levels of POPs in horses are limited. Objectives To study the concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organophosphate pesticides (OPs) in hair samples collected from 52 sport horses in Turkey and to investigate the possible relationship among current exposure situation, age and gender of horses. Study design Original article. Methods Hair samples were collected from 52 sport horses which were divided into three groups according to age: Group I: < 5 years (n = 17), Group II: 5-10 years (n = 16) and Group III: >10 years (n = 19). In addition to age, the samples were also analysed by location and gender. Thirty environmental pollutants (2 OPs, 7 OCPs, 15 PCBs and 6 PAHs) were analysed using a sensitive GC-MS method. Results All samples contained a minimum of one pollutant, and 23 of the 30 measured pollutants were identified in at least one sample. Number of positive samples and concentrations of POPs were higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group I (p < 0.05). Females and males presented similar results. In terms of location, concentrations of almost all chemicals were higher in Sanliurfa than Ankara (p < 0.05). Main limitations Feed, drinking water and the other related environmental samples were not analysed to evaluate the relationship between those sources and POPs levels in hair samples collected from sport horses. Conclusions The concentration of POPs in the hair and other tissues of sports horses should be monitored periodically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate levels of the POPs in hair samples from sport horses in Turkey.