A newly published EU-funded study presents a faster and more reliable way to measure traces of pesticides in human urine, helping scientists and public authorities better understand everyday chemical exposure.

Published in the Journal of Chromatography A, the research describes a validated method capable of detecting small amounts of 23 pesticides and their breakdown products in a single sample. These substances are used in agriculture and can enter the body through food, water, air, or occupational contact.

The study found measurable exposure to both currently authorised pesticides and substances no longer allowed in the EU, underlining the need for continued monitoring — particularly to protect vulnerable groups such as children and workers and to better assess combined and long-term risks.

Because the method allows large numbers of samples to be analysed efficiently, it supports population-wide studies and comparable data across EU countries. This provides valuable evidence for public health protection and informs EU chemicals legislation, including REACH, as well as the objectives of the European Green Deal.

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