Evaluation of the health hazards involved in house-spraying with DDT.

The dermal and respiratory exposure of workers during house-spraying operations has been measured to find out the main factors affecting the exposure, and to develop effective, acceptable protective measures and clothing. Dermal exposure was found to be much greater than respiratory exposure. The major factors affecting exposure with a single concentration of formulation appeared to be spray-pump pressure, height of area being sprayed, and absorbency of surface. Temperature, type of formulation, and nozzle size had little or no effect on exposure. A plastic cape, a hard hat with a plastic visor, and rubberized gauntlet gloves gave a fully clothed man almost complete protection from dermal and respiratory exposure. A tropical helmet equipped with a plastic-netting veil is proposed for field testing. This equipment gave good protection of the shoulders, back, and chest and excellent protection of the face and neck.