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Exposure to captan in fruit growing
J de Cock1, D Heederik, H Kromhout
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Wageningen, The Netherlands.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|April 8, 1998
Summary
Occupational pesticide exposure in Dutch fruit growers was assessed. Within-worker variability was high, emphasizing the need for repeated measurements to accurately estimate exposure for fruit growers and their families.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Pesticide use in fruit cultivation poses occupational exposure risks.
- Understanding exposure determinants is crucial for risk mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize occupational pesticide exposure in Dutch fruit growers.
- To assess determinants of exposure, including routes and variability.
- To estimate total potential exposure for fruit growers and their families.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale exposure surveys during pesticide application and reentry.
- Measurement of inhalable dust exposure (personal monitor) and dermal exposure (skin pads, hand rinsing).
- Assessment of dislodgeable foliar residue and contamination within homes.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in respiratory and dermal exposure across various tasks.
- Within-worker variability exceeded between-worker variability for all measurements.
- Dermal exposure variability was higher between different body locations than on the same location.
- Family members showed varying exposure levels, with wives exposed less.
Conclusions:
- Individual time spent on tasks significantly impacts total potential exposure.
- Repeated measurements are essential for accurate individual exposure assessment due to high within-worker variability.
- Task-specific exposure data and variability analysis inform targeted risk management strategies.