Operative Modalities and Exposure to Pesticides During Open Field Treatments Among a Group of Agricultural Subcontractors

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a field study of occupational pesticide exposure (respiratory and dermal) among a group of Italian agricultural subcontractors. These workers consistently use pesticides during much of the year, thus resulting in a high exposure risk. Ten complete treatments were monitored during spring/summer. Pesticides that were applied included azinphos-methyl, dicamba, dimethoate, terbuthylazine, and alachlor. Several observations were made on worker operative modalities and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during work. Total potential and actual exposure ranged from 14 to 5700 microg and from 0.04 to 4600 microg, respectively. Dermal exposure contributed substantially more than inhalation to the total exposure (93.9-100%). Hand contamination ranged from 0.04 to 4600 microg and was the major contributor to dermal exposure. Penetration through specific protective garments was less than 2.4% in all cases, although penetration through general work clothing was as high as 26.8%. The risk evaluation, based on comparison between acceptable daily intake and total absorbed doses, demonstrates that it is presumable to expect possible health effects for workers regularly operating without PPE and improper tractors. Comparisons between exposure levels and operative modalities highlighted that complete PPE and properly equipped tractors contributed to a significant reduction in total exposure to pesticides during agricultural activities. In conclusion, monitored agricultural subcontractors presented very different levels of pesticide exposure due to the high variability of operative modalities and use of PPE. These results indicate the need to critically evaluate the efficacy of training programs required for obtaining a pesticide license in Italy.

Occupational exposure to pesticides as a possible risk factor for the development of chronic diseases in humans

“…The study was conducted on 11 rice and 13 maize farms in Lombardy (Italy), which had a small number of workers (3 or 4), and participated in the study with one worker only, who was in charge for pesticides application. Since the main route of pesticide absorption is cutaneous (35–37), the exposure was assessed by using pads (skin exposure) and by washing workers' hands at the end of the working shift with 200 ml of iso-propanol. The hand wash liquid was collected for analysis (hand skin exposure) according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines (38).…”

Dermal Exposure Associated with Occupational End Use of Pesticides and the Role of Protective Measures

“…One study observed very little to no penetration through fabrics thicker than 0.8 mm, regardless of other factors [54], with workpants providing much greater protection than thinner work shirts [59], In addition, although garments made of both barrier and non-barrier fabrics have been shown to decrease dermal exposure [60], greater protection is afforded by waterproof polypropylene fabrics than by cotton garments [61]. For example, an Italian study found penetration through cotton clothing to range from 11.2% to 26.8%, whereas penetration through synthetic material was <2.4% [62], although a study of US citrus farmers found little difference between synthetic materials and woven garments [63].…”

“…In addition, the protective features of PPE are dependent on proper use. For example, workers who roll their sleeves up or remove their gloves are at increased risk of dermal exposure [62].…”

Pesticide Flow Analysis to Assess Human Exposure in Greenhouse Flower Production in Colombia

“…Concerning the ADE distribution, previous studies have shown similar results in which the hands and forearms are the most exposed body parts, and dermal exposure is the main contributor of the total exposure [68,69]. …”