The presence of pesticide residues in food products, particularly milk, poses significant public health risks, especially in developing regions where agricultural practices often involve extensive pesticide use. This study aimed to assess the levels of pesticide contamination in milk collected from agro-pastoral cattle settlements in Niger State, Nigeria, and evaluate the associated health risks for both children and adults. Milk samples were systematically collected and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect and quantify the concentrations of various pesticides, including organophosphates, organochlorines, and herbicides.

The detected pesticides included Dichlorvos, β-Hexachlorocyclohexane, Malathion, DDT, and Dieldrin, among others, with Dichlorvos and β-Hexachlorocyclohexane showing the highest concentrations. Using the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) model, we calculated the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated milk for different age groups. The results indicated that children were particularly at risk, with EDI values exceeding the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for certain pesticides, such as Dieldrin, leading to a risk ratio of 1.288. In contrast, adults showed a lower risk, with EDI values generally within safe limits.

The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter pesticide regulation, enhanced monitoring of pesticide residues in livestock products, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to mitigate the public health risks. This study highlights the vulnerability of children to pesticide exposure through dairy consumption and calls for immediate intervention to safeguard food safety and protect public health.