BACKGROUND: The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of workers tending and harvesting greenhouse cultivations after the restricted-entry intervals expired using cotton patches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pesticide exposure was assessed among women (n=19) tending and harvesting vegetables in one of the vegetable production greenhouse in Poland. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (hexythiazoks, azoksystrobin, imazalil) after the restricted-entry intervals expired. Cotton gloves and patches on chest and arms were used during the whole workshift in the greenhouse. RESULTS: All the three kinds of pesticides were found on cotton patches and gloves. The concentration of the examined active ingredients was higher on gloves than on patches. Their concentration on patches and gloves between sprayings was proportional to the concentration of active ingredients used during sprayings. CONCLUSION: Dermal exposure of women to pesticides during work in a greenhouse takes place even when employees are not directly engaged in the process of spraying. Therefore, it is nececarry to ensure that this occupational group is provided with the efficient personal protective equipment.
BACKGROUND: The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of workers tending and harvesting greenhouse cultivations after the restricted-entry intervals expired using cotton patches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pesticide exposure was assessed among women (n=19) tending and harvesting vegetables in one of the vegetable production greenhouse in Poland. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (hexythiazoks, azoksystrobin, imazalil) after the restricted-entry intervals expired. Cotton gloves and patches on chest and arms were used during the whole workshift in the greenhouse. RESULTS: All the three kinds of pesticides were found on cotton patches and gloves. The concentration of the examined active ingredients was higher on gloves than on patches. Their concentration on patches and gloves between sprayings was proportional to the concentration of active ingredients used during sprayings. CONCLUSION: Dermal exposure of women to pesticides during work in a greenhouse takes place even when employees are not directly engaged in the process of spraying. Therefore, it is nececarry to ensure that this occupational group is provided with the efficient personal protective equipment.
Authors: Moosa H Faniband; Margareta Littorin; Eva Ekman; Bo A G Jönsson; Christian H Lindh Journal: J Anal Toxicol Date: 2015-08-30 Impact factor: 3.367