The extent of operator inhalation exposure to aerosolized droplets during agricultural applications is influenced by the droplet size distribution of sprays. The droplet size distribution depends on the nozzle spray quality, which may be affected by pesticide formulation characteristics. Current methods used to assess inhalation exposure during agricultural applications assume that the total amount of residues in the air, irrespective of droplet size, is relevant to human risk assessment. However, only a fraction of that amount may be inhaled or respired due to the spray droplet size. Furthermore, the use of modern low-drift nozzles that emit larger spray droplets can substantially reduce the droplet size fractions relevant to human health. Spray droplet size characterization studies of various nozzle types can be used to demonstrate the effect of spray quality on droplet size distribution, and thus the potential impact on exposures relevant to human health risk assessment.

Refining operator inhalation exposure: Droplet size characterization of aerosolized sprays from agricultural nozzles

248th National Meeting (2014)

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