Pesticides in greenhouse air

An analytical method based on personal air sampling and the use of solid so rbents has been validated for a range of pesticides in greenhouse air. The collection efficiencies of Cromosorb 102, PUF, Porapak R, Supelpak, XAD-2 a nd XAD-4 have been evaluated using standard atmospheres containing known am ounts of lindane, endosulfan, procymidone, vinclozolin, dichlofluanid and c hlorothalonil. The methodology has been validated establishing linear range s, limits of detection and quantification and precision. The influence on t he sampling process of parameters such as breakthrough volume, sampling tim e, sampling flow rate and relative humidity of the air has been established . Stability of samples has also been studied in different storage condition s. Finally several pesticide applications have been carried out in order to evaluate the potential inhalation exposure of applicators and re-entry wor kers to these pesticides. The dissipation of pesticides in the air several hours after the applications has also been studied.