Harvester exposure to Zolone (phosalone) residues in peach orchards

This field study was undertaken to quantitate the exposures of peach pickers to pesticide residues. Five fields were harvested each for three days at decreasing post-application intervals. Aerosol and dermal exposure estimates indicated 98-99% of the workers' dose was dermal, predominantly to the hands and upper extremities. Estimates of dose correlated with measurements of foliar residues. Despite estimated dose rates of up to 14 mg/hr, the RBC cholinesterase in these workers may have been only slightly inhibited (circa 4%) when compared to an unexposed, control population. Comparisons of these results with earlier studies of parathion residues on citrus indicate a consistent pattern of worker exposure. However, a concern is raised over the efficacy of using existing foliar residue sampling methodologies for all other pesticides.