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.
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