Worker reentry safety. VII. A medical overview of reentry periods and the use of urinary alkyl phosphates in human pesticide monitoring

Pesticide poisonings reported by Florida citrus fieldworkers

“…Thus, it appears, as suggested by Davies et al (1976), that the most severe poisonings, i.e., requiring treatment by a physician, are found among applicators, while pickers experience less severe symptoms. It is possible, as suggested by Popendorf et al (1982); Durham and Hayes (1962);…”

“…Despite these anecdotal reports, it has been suggested that the magnitude of the poisoning problem among fieldworkers is unknown (Davies et al 1976;Kilgore and Akesson, 1980;and Popendorf and Leffingwell, 1982 (Spear et al 1975).…”

“…Worker poisonings related to occupational exposure to pesticides are considered to be a significant hazard to agricultural workers (Popendorf et al 1976;Davies et al 1976;and Kilgore et al 1977). Early symptoms of pesticide poisoning include eye and skin irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.…”

“…Reich et al (1968) reported on 24 occupationally related pesticide poisonings associated with OP'S in Florida, from 1964through 1967. In 1970 Florida fieldworkers were hospitalized after entering a field which had been sprayed the previous day with parathion (Davies et al 1976). Spear et al (1975) reported on 35 citrus harvesters who were hospitalized following exposure to parathion residues near McFarland, California, in 1970.…”

“…Davies et al (1976) have characterized occupational pesticide poisonings into applicator and mixer-loader poisonings, and picker or thinner poisonings.…”