Potential operator, bystander and environmental exposure in sloped vineyards

Spray drift is a potential risk for bystanders during pesticide application , such as passers-by or residents that live near to treated areas, and also the environment. The aim of this experimental work was to measure the pote ntial dermal and inhalation exposure of the applicator and bystander, toget her with spray drift, in typical vineyards on the hills near Piacenza, Ital y. The trials were conducted with Sunset Yellow, a food colour. The determi nation of potential dermal exposure was carried out with the whole body dos imetry method. The potential inhalation exposure was measured using a perso nal air sampler. Airborne spray drift was collected with polyethylene lines at different distances from the treated area The measurement of the ground deposit was carried out with horizontal collectors placed at ground level. Potential dermal operator exposure ranged from 43 to 574 ml/hour. Airborne spray drift at 5 metres from the edge of the treated area ranged from 148 to 336 ml/linear metre. Ground deposited spray drift at 5m from 17 to 56 l/ ha.