Personnel exposure to diazinon in a supervised pest eradication program.

Abstract

Dermal and respiratory exposure was measured for 15 workers applying a granular diazinon pesticide formulation, using equipment more typical of residential home owner use than large scale or agricultural operations. Urine samples were analyzed for the metabolic product diethylthiophosphate (DETP). The primary determinants of exposure and exposure distribution were job classification and the use of one type of broadcast spreader. Diazinon exposures ranged from 0.1 to 11 mg/day for workers, and from 0.03 to 0.3 mg/day for supervisory personnel, during sampling periods ranging from 3.3 to 7 hr. Individual exposures correlated well with observed duties. An association was found between morning shift diazinon exposure and afternoon urinary DETP levels.