EXPOSURE OF 4 FILIPINO FARMERS TO PARATHION-METHYL WHILE SPRAYING STRING BEANS

Filipino farmers resist wearing protective garments while spraying, pr eferring to wear long-sleeved cotton polyester shirts and short or lon g trousers. The exposure of farmers while wearing this attire and spra ying was assessed to determine what degree of protection it afforded f armers under tropical conditions. Absorbent pads were placed on the ou ter and inner wear on various body parts. Applicators sprayed parathio n-methyl on fruiting string beans at the recommended rate and residues were analyzed by gas chromatography. Each farmer had a characteristic spraying pattern which resulted in peculiar residue levels in some bo dy parts. Inner exposure did not exceed the tolerable dermal exposure level during warm days while using proper spraying techniques. The use of long-sleeved cotton polyester shirt and thick polyester trousers p rovides, to a certain degree, protection for farmers during warm days. A change of clothing would be a more acceptable measure for farmers t han wearing uncomfortable and impractical protective garments. The fol lowing spraying techniques reduced farmer exposure: fully outstretched arm, minimal body twisting and smooth hand movements. The use of thic k polyester long trousers, gloves or a suitable substitute and the rem oval of weeds within the crop area also reduce farmer exposure to inse cticides. Re-designing the bottle to include a plastic lip, in order t o avoid spillage, is also recommended to reduce exposure during the cr itical mixing stage. Laundering the shirt immediately after use remove s a significant amount of residues (96-97%) and contributes towards th e protection of farm workers. These recommendations should provide use ful data for incorporation in farmer-training programes on the proper use of pesticides.