Clothing field applicator exposure

Estimates of Field Worker Exposure to Pesticides An example will be presented to show how estimates of lifetime field worker exposure can be made and show how a number of the factors above come into play during such calculations. These calculations apply only to chemicals which demonstrate chronic toxicity predominantly. Shorter term estimates must be made for chemicals showing acute toxicity. For this exercise consider only field crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The example presented here will deal with one application type, i.e., ground boom spray application. Mixer-loaders, cleanup workers and applicators will be considered. Factors such as effectiveness of protective clothing will also be considered. Further, this example will consider only an individual farm operation scenario. 

Dermal exposure to methyl parathion is not likely to be a health concern to the general population, with the possible exception of individuals in the immediate vicinity of a field during application of the pesticide. Dermal exposure, however, is a major source of exposure for workers directly involved in the manufacture, application, and cleanup of the chemical, and for field workers. Laundry workers cleaning the clothing of such workers may also be exposed. 

There should be one or more senior operatives who are knowledgeable and well trained in precautionary and protective measures and also compliance with pesticide regulations. They should be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of plant operations, applications in the field, etc. No person should work alone while handling or likely to be exposed to anti-ChEs. There should always be an additional person nearby, designated as safety officer, who can view the operation at a distance sufficient, if necessary, to raise an alarm, to allow protective clothing and equipment CO be donned, and to undertake the initial rescue and possible first aid and resuscitation measures. Thus, ideally this person should be trained in the emergency mea.sures for an anti-ChE leak, spill, and exposure, and it is desirable for him or her to be trained in first aid measures to treat OP and CM poisoning. 

Additional field studies are needed for many application scenarios vhere data are limited. This will hopefully result in the further develc nent of useful predictive correlations. Improved methodology in the area of estimating hand exposure would be welcome. The data base for estimating dermal penetration also needs to be expanded. Finally, as Dr. Moraskl indicated earlier in his presentation, we need to know more about the effectiveness of various items of frotective clothing and protective devices. The use of protective clothing has been one of the chief regulatory options used in C >P in many of our recent deliberations. 

The feasibility of employing fluorescent tracers and video imaging analysis to quantify dermal exposure to pesticide applicators has been demonstrated under realistic field conditions. Six workers loaded a tracer with the organophosphate pesticide, diazinon, into air blast sprayers, and conducted normal dormant spraying in pear orchards. They were examined prior to and immediately after the application. UV-A illumination produced fluorescence on the skin surface, and the pattern of exposure was digitized with a video imaging system. Quantifiable levels of tracer were detected beneath cotton coveralls on five workers. The distribution of exposure over the body surface varied widely due to differences in protective clothing use, work practices and environmental conditions. This assessment method produced exposure values at variance with those calculated by the traditional patch technique. 

Field testing on the efficacy of different types of clothing materials in reducing pesticide exposure to applicators and mixer/loaders. parel six h as coveralls, hats, suits, aprons, hand and foot coverings could be test under actual agricultural use conditions. 

Re-entry into treated fields and required posting Protective clothing and equipment and its care and maintenance Pesticide poisoning effects, symptoms, and first aid Medical supervision for pesticide applicators Toxicity of pesticides Minimizing exposure Risk assessment Personal safety and hygiene Types of spray equipment Equipment parts, with emphasis on nozzles Sprayer maintenance and cleaning Sprayer storage... 

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