Determination of Routes of Exposure of Infants and Toddlers to HouseholdPesticides: A Pilot Study

摘要

The U.S. EPA recently completed a study of nonoccupational exposure to householdpesticides. During that study, house dust and yard soil were recognized to be potential major sources of exposure for infants and toddlers. Consequently, a pilot study was initiated in the fall of 1990 to evaluate exposure methodology and obtain preliminary comparative data on routes of exposure for the susceptible population. Nine homes with children aged six months to five years were selected on the basis of pesticide use. House dust was collected using a newly-designed cyclone vacuum system. Dislodgeable residues were collected from floors by means of a polyurethane foam (PUF) roller weighted to simulate a 9 kg child. Investigator's hand-presses and child's hand rinses were performed for comparison to the PUF roller. Soil and entry-way dirt samples were collected and air was sampled at 12 cm and 75 cm above the floor. All samples were analyzed for a list of 30 common household pesticides. Questionnaires were administered to participants regarding pesticide usage, child activities (including frequency of hand-to-mouth contact), and dietary habits.