Humberto González

Prof. Humberto González

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

34Years (1993-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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ESERICK SIERRA-DIAZ
ERICK SIERRA-DIAZ
ARALFREDO DE JESUS CELIS-DE LA ROSA
ALFREDO DE JESUS CELIS-DE LA ROSA
FLFelipe Lozano-Kasten
Felipe Lozano-Kasten
LTLeonardo Trasande
Leonardo Trasande
Alejandro Aaron Peregrina-LucanoAlejandro Aaron Peregrina-Lucano
Alejandro Aaron Peregrina-Lucano
Humberto GonzálezHumberto González
Humberto González
The use of pesticides in agricultural activities has increased significantly during the last decades. Several studies have reported the health damage that results from exposure to pesticides. In Mexico, hundreds of communities depend economically on agricultural activities. The participation of minors in this type of activity and their exposure to pesticides represents a potential public health problem. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which urine samples (first-morning urine) were taken from children under 15 years of age in both communities. A total of 281 urine samples obtained in both communities were processed for the determination of pesticides with high-performance liquid chromatography together with tandem mass spectrometry. In 100% of the samples, at least two pesticides of the 17 reported in the total samples were detected. The presence of malathion, metoxuron, and glyphosate was remarkable in more than 70% of the cases. Substantial differences were detected regarding the other compounds. It is necessary to carry out long-term studies to determine the damage to health resulting from this constant exposure and to inform the health authorities about the problem in order to implement preventive measures.

1 January 2014 in Development Studies Research
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Journal Article
Open access
Humberto GonzálezHumberto González
Humberto González
Large-scale specialization in monoculture production for export markets infringes upon the agricultural and food systems and security of the populations of exporting countries that adopt export-oriented policies because it: (a) entails adopting production patterns that over-exploit and deteriorate the natural and human resources of agricultural regions; (b) subordinates producers and consumers in agroexporting countries to the interests of transnational intermediary companies and the regulations of foreign government agencies that prioritize the interests of their own citizens; and (c) restricts the right of domestic consumers to access a nourishment that is sufficient, healthy and culturally acceptable. The study of this Mexican case allows us to better understand the agricultural and food situation that is currently emerging in developing countries that choose to broadly apply neoliberal policies. Mexico has one of the most open agricultural sectors and is a leading international exporter of several fruits and vegetables; but at the same time it is a net importer of basic foods for its domestic population. This case study is analyzed from the perspectives of plantation-oriented agricultural practices and global commodity chains; however, neither of these perspectives considers the problems of environmental degradation and food security, both of which are studied in this work.


21 June 2010 in International Journal of Food Science and Technology
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Humberto GonzálezHumberto González
Humberto González

13 September 2012 in Journal of Agrarian Change
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Journal Article
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Humberto GonzálezHumberto González
Humberto González

1 October 2021 in Dose-Response
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Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FLFelipe Lozano-Kasten
Felipe Lozano-Kasten
ESERICK SIERRA-DIAZ
ERICK SIERRA-DIAZ
Humberto GonzálezHumberto González
Humberto González
ALAlejandro Aarón Peregrina Lucano
Alejandro Aarón Peregrina Lucano
RCRosa Cremades
Rosa Cremades
EPElena Sandoval Pinto
Elena Sandoval Pinto
Background: Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used pesticides in agricultural activities worldwide. For the last 20 years, its use has increased rapidly becoming a public health concern. The IARC classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic; however, the reported evidence is not enough to establish a statement. Objective: This work aimed to measure glyphosate levels in the urine of children from a single rural community in an endemic region of chronic kidney disease and malnutrition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural community in western Mexico. The study included 95 children between the ages of 6 and 16. A urine sample (first-morning spot) was obtained from children and processed to measure glyphosate levels using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Results: All samples tested positive for glyphosate levels. Urine glyphosate levels were related to the season and the age of the children. Conclusion: Glyphosate is present in children of all ages in the community even if they were not in direct contact with it. No toxicity cases were reported, nor were there other health problems related to glyphosate. However, more long-term studies should be done that provide a statement regarding the harmful effects that glyphosate has on public health.