Community Exposure Following a Drip-Application of Chloropicrin

Abstract

Ocular, respiratory, and systemic symptoms on the evening of October 5, 2005, corresponded to a plume of chloropicrin, with estimated concentrations as high as 0.15 ppm, in the community of Salinas, California. Cases occurred between 0.36 and 2.89 miles from the application site. Use of irritant agricultural fumigants near residential neighborhoods can produce a risk of illness for distances more than 2 miles from the site of application. Air modeling is useful for evaluating the relationship between possible exposures and community symptoms.

Ocular Toxicity of Chemical Warfare Agents

“…Studies in human volunteers indicate that lacrimation and blepharospasm is apparent at 5.0 mg min/m 3 , conjunctival irritation is apparent at 10-100 mg min/m 3 , and intolerable ocular irritation developed at 500 mg min/m 3 (Fries andWest, 1921, Prentiss andFisher, 1937). These studies are consistent with more recent findings following an industrial accident in California that produced a plume of chloropicrin with estimated air concentrations between 0.17-1.0 mg/m 3 (Barry et al, 2010). Of the 324 residents who reported symptoms consistent with chloropicrin exposure, 302 (93.2%) presented with ocular symptoms such as lacrimation, ocular pain and burning.…”

Pesticides

“…Chloropicrin, also known as trichloronitromethane and nitrochloroform, is a halogenated fumigant that reacts with the amino acids that form the protein structure of different pests (Albritton et al, 1998;Barry et al, 2010). It has been steadily used in California since 1991.…”

“…It has been steadily used in California since 1991. Barry et al (2010) reported that residuals of chloropicrin used in irrigation lines for post-application water treatment have contributed to considerable health problems in local communities. Barry et al (2010) reported that residuals of chloropicrin used in irrigation lines for post-application water treatment have contributed to considerable health problems in local communities.…”

Residential proximity to agricultural fumigant use and respiratory health in 7-year old children

“…Increased respiratory symptoms have been reported as a result of community exposure to chloropicrin following application (Barry et al 2010; CDC 2004). A larger analysis of chloropicrin-related illness in California from 1992–2003 found that 54% of cases involved respiratory irritation (Oriel et al 2009).…”