Modeling re-entry exposure

Modeling re-entry exposure estimates techniques and application rates... 

Because parts of the model are used in the Dutch pesticide authorization procedure to estimate worker exposure during re-entry, a study was conducted to validate some of the aspects of the proposed model. Emphasis was put on the relationship between hie applied amount of active ingredient and the resulting increase of DFR in relevant zones (crop heights), as well as determining factors (i.e., application techniques and crop density, or leaf volume index). In addition, the influence of re-entry time and crop density on transfer factors (calculated from levels of re-entry exposure and either DFR or SFR) was studied. 

Using the nonlinear model substituting 0.915 p.gcm (the DFR value from the model 1 day after application) into Equation (6) yields a dose of 1.05 mgkg day" and an MOL from Equation (5) of 47, below the required value of 100 for margin of exposure. Performing the same calculation on the day 2 data gives a dose of 0.344 mg kg day and an MOE of 145, which is above the level of 100 required to establish a safe re-entry level. Therefore, a 2-day period is adequate to ensure worker safety. The observed values of 0.936 and 0.234 qg cm for days 1 and 2 match closely the values predicted by the model. 

In conclusion it can be stated that the basic assumptions of the re-entry model — a linear relationship between application rate and initial dislodge-able foliar residue and a first-order decay of the DFR — have been confirmed. The relationship between the transfer factor and re-entry time at various DFR levels should be explored further. Including information on foliage surface area or crop density may lead to a refinement of the model however, crop volume estimating methods should be improved before their influence on the exposure processes can be fully evaluated. 

Popendorf, W.J. (1985) Advances in the unified model for re-entry hazards in Dermal exposure related to pesticide in use, in Discussion of Risk Assessment, Honeycutt, R.C., Zweig, G., and Ragsdale, N.N., Eds., ACS Symposium Series 273, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., pp. 323-340. 

Modeling Residential Re-entry Dermal Exposures 157 Integrated Physical-Stochastic Dermal Model 158 Macro-Based Dermal Exposure Methodology 159 Scenario 1 159... 

The application of pesticides is widespread in agriculture and elsewhere, and the concomitant risks depend on their toxicity, and duration and frequency, as well as the level of exposure (Henderson et al., 1993 Krieger and Ross, 1993). Exposure may be incidental or almost continuous. This is true not only for workers (occupational exposure), but also for the general public and people who may be considered as bystanders, who are not involved in the actual occupational activities with pesticides, but are close enough to get exposed. In this present chapter, only operator exposure will be discussed because agricultural re-entry modelling is discussed in Chapter 2 and residential post-application exposure modelling in Chapter 6 of this book. 

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