FACTORS AFFECTING FRUIT GROWERS' USE AND CARE OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT (VIRGINIA).

摘要

The purpose of this study was to survey fruit growers to determine the types of protective clothing and equipment worn while usng pesticides and how that clothing was stored and laundered. An attempt was made to relate growers' use of protective clothing and equipment to their attitudes and beliefs. Two questionnaires were developed, one to be completed by the fruit grower and the second by the family member who usually did the laundry.; Data were collected at area educational programs for fruit growers sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and through mail surveys of clients identified by Extension offices as fruit growers. The sample included 176 and 156 individuals who completed Part 1 and Part 2 of the survey respectively.; Fruit growers in this sample wear an average of two of the six recommended items of protective clothing and equipment when mixing or spraying Parathion, a highly toxic insecticide. Less than 25 percent of the sample usually wear all the recommended items when they use Parathion.; Approximately 82 percent of the group stored contaminated clothing in a separate location and about 85 percent washed contaminated clothing separately. Only one-fifth prerinsed or soaked contaminated laundry and only one-fourth washed such laundry more than once. About half the group used the "normal" wash cycle and no more than 30 percent used the hot water setting as recommended.; Efforts to establish a relationship between the use of protective clothing and knowledge of pesticide hazard, and beliefs and attitudes toward protective clothing were unsuccessful.; This research suggests that educational agencies and professional associations who work with fruit growers should provide comprehensive information on the use of protective clothing, and the storage and cleaning of contaminated garments. In addition, continued research is needed to develop protective garments with fabrication and design conducive to worker comfort.