MONITORING OF EXPOSURE TO BENOMYL IN NURSERY WORKERS

We compared urinary levels of the metabolite methyl-5-hydroxy-2-benzim idazole carbamate (5-HBC) among nursery workers exposed to the fungici de benomyl (specifically Benlate 50 DF(R)[DuPont, Wilmington, DE]) and workers not exposed to benomyl. Environmental exposures were quantita ted from gloves, body patches, and air samples collected with area and personal monitors. The median concentration of 5-HBC in the urine of benomyl-exposed workers was 23.8 mu mol of 5-HBC per mob of creatinine . No 5-HBC was detected in the reference group. Industrial hygiene res ults and biological monitoring findings indicate that use of Benlate 5 0 DF(R) in the ornamental industry can bad to absorption of the active ingredient, benomyl. Weighing, mixing, and application activities inv olved the highest exposures. Dermal contact appeared to be the primary route of exposure.