Exposure of applicators and residents to chlordane and heptachlor when used for subterranean termite control

Research was conducted to assess dermal and respiratory exposure to applicators from chlordane and heptachlor used for subterranean termite control and exposure to residents of treated homes. Dermal exposure of 29 applicators was evaluated by using gauze pads attached to outer and inner clothing at selected body regions. Respiratory exposure of applicators was monitored with personnel-type air samplers worn during application periods. Air samplers were equipped with polyurethane foam plugs to trap airborne chlordane and heptachlor. Exposure of residents was measured by sampling ambient air of 19 homes treated with the termiticides. Electric air samplers equipped with foam plugs were used to monitor ambient air from the basement, the kitchen, and one bedroom at: 24 h prior to termiticide application, during application, and post-application at 24 h, 1 wk, and monthly for 6 mo. Applicator dermal exposure was estimated based on exposure rates to each body region. Respiratory exposure was estimated based on termiticide concentrations in the air and on the ventilation rate of a person doing light work. Residents' exposure was estimated based on the amount of termiticide present in ambient air. Results indicated that applicator exposure rates to chlordane and heptachlor were 2.54 and 1.88 micrograms/kg/h, respectively. Residents were exposed to less than 0.69 and 2.86 micrograms/m3 of chlordane and heptachlor, respectively. During this research, the application of termiticide containing chlordane and heptachlor posed minimal risk in terms of acute exposure to either the applicators or the residents of the treated homes.