Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 94-0413-2560, U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Fayetteville, North Carolina

摘要

In response to a request from the Director of the Department of Agriculture (SIC-9199) witchweed eradication program, worker exposures to paraquat (1910425) during spray applications were investigated. Breathing zone air samples collected during eight paraquat applications using various application techniques were evaluated for both total and respirable paraquat. Paraquat was not detected in any of the breathing zone samples during application. The authors conclude that there was essentially no risk for inhalation exposure of applicators to paraquat during witchweed eradication activities and that wearing a respirator during these activities is unnecessary and may serve only to contribute to the heat stress burden of the applicator. A potential existed for eye and skin exposure during mixing, loading, maintenance activities, and knapsack applications. The authors recommend that precautions be taken during these activities.