Chapter 15 - Worker Exposure: Methods and Techniques

Abstract

Operators involved in handling, dispensing, and applying pesticides and postapplication crop reentry workers will be exposed to these compounds through different routes and to varying extents. This chapter presents methods by which pesticide exposure to agricultural workers can be determined. The purpose of a worker exposure and/or biological monitoring study is to generate data for use in a risk assessment. Good study design is, therefore, a key consideration in ensuring that relevant and useful exposure data are obtained. In deciding on the basic methodological approach, reference can be made to the tiered approach to exposure and risk evaluation to determine whether passive dosimetry will suffice or whether the use of biological monitoring is warranted to give the most accurate determination of the dose absorbed by the worker. Agricultural worker exposure studies can be regarded as being of two types: pre- and re-registration studies, and post-registration surveillance studies. Studies of the first type involve the test subjects complying fully with the requirements of the product label, particularly the use of protective clothing and equipment, application rates, and clean-up procedures. Studies of the second type are done primarily in support of product stewardship and post-registration evaluation of actual pesticide use conditions and practices. The chapter discusses various factors that are considered in designing a worker exposure study for different routes of pesticide exposure including dermal, exposure by inhalation, and hand exposure.