Measurements of the operator potential exposure to pyrimethanil in greenhouse

The working conditions for pesticide applicators in greenhouses are general ly unfavourable, with high temperatures and relative humidities in enclosed areas. Most pesticides are applied using high volume hand held application techniques for which there are few data available in existing EU databases . The combination of local climatic conditions and application method are l ikely to result in an increased risk of operator exposure compared to outdo or application methods. The aim of this work was to measure the potential d ermal and inhalation exposure to pyrimethanil during mixer/loading and appl ication in typical greenhouses in the Albenga region of Italy. The determin ation of potential dermal exposure of the operator was done using the whole body passive dosimetry method that involves analysis of the garments worn by the operator. The potential inhalation exposure was measured using a per sonal air sampler connected to glass tube containing PUF plugs. Pyrimethani l applied on Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii spp) produced 116 to 173 ml /h of total potential dermal operator exposure with the lower parts of the body receiving the greater level of contamination. The data obtained have b een confirmed by a third trial with the tracer Sunset Yellow.