Minimizing Dermal Exposure to Pesticides in Greenhouses

摘要

A study was conducted to survey major variables influencing exposure duringmixing and application of pesticides in greenhouses, to conduct exposure assessment studies under well defined conditions, and to field test the fluorescent tracer methodology for its utility in evaluating dermal exposure. Three types of application procedures dominated the greenhouse activity: handgunning, thermal fogging, and drenching. Thermal fogging had the highest potential for exposure, but this operation was performed by the most experienced of the workers and elaborate protective measures were followed. Drenching procedures were aimed at watering and chemically treating the roots of plants and involved application of a very coarse water stream onto the base of plants under low pressure. Handgunning was aimed at treating plant foliage and involved spraying leaves under low to high pressure. Most exposures to workers occurred during handgunning applications. Better ventilation and applicator training could help lower these exposures. Contact with treated foliage was one manner in which exposure occurred after the pesticides and other chemicals were applied to the plants. Using fluorescent tracer methodology, it was possible to visualize exposure patterns due to the presence or absence of ventilation and obtain dramatic evidence of protective clothing failures.