EXPOSURE AND RISK-ESTIMATION FOR PESTICIDES IN HIGH-VOLUME SPRAYING

During twenty applications with a spray pistol of methomyl to chrysant hemums, inhalation exposure as well as potential and actual dermal exp osure were monitored using the 'whole-body'-method. On the basis of th e exposure data, in terms of exposure to the liquid formulation and th e spray liquid, the possible health risk for methomyl and thirteen oth er pesticides, frequently used in ornamentals, was indicatively assess ed. From the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) in animal experi ments an Indicative Limit Value (ILV) was derived. The ILV is consider ed indicative for the limit of daily exposure for a worker which proba bly gives no rise to adverse health effects. This value is a rough app roximation since the database for a proper assessment of such a value is generally. incomplete. Assuming that exposure is independent of the pesticide, using a suitable format, the actual observed exposure can be compared with the ILV. To reduce the dermal exposure levels below t he ILV the exposure of especially the hands has to be reduced e.g. by using impermeable gloves, (C) 1998 British Occupational Hygiene Societ y. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.