Applicatorsafety is still one of the main problems concerning greenhouse spray applications in China. This study was carried out in cucumber greenhouses and tested two protective measures: 100% cotton hooded coveralls and non-woven fabric hooded coveralls. A hand-operated knapsack sprayer was used for chlorothalonil application (75% WP). The whole-body dosimetry (WBD) technique was applied to collect dermal exposure samples including cotton protective garments, gloves, and socks. In the absence of any personal protective equipment (PPE), chlorothalonil application resulted in applicators’ total dermal exposure of 5759.5μg /h. Using 100% cotton hooded coveralls (including single-layer gloves) and non-woven fabric hooded coveralls (including rubber gloves) as protective measures, the total dermal exposure of applicators were 50937.3μg/h and 2511.3μg/h, respectively, which could deflect 88.7% and 95.1% of total dermal exposure in the absence of PPE. By analyzing dermal exposure of the two cotton garment layers (a 100% cotton hooded coverall as the outer-layer garment and a 85% cotton underwear as the inner-layer garment), the penetration rate of the outer-layer garment could be calculated: the penetration rate for left lower leg section was 1.8%, the lowest; and that of the chest section was 12.1%, the highest, and the average was 6.3%. When using a single-layer 100% cotton coverall (including 100% cotton gloves) and a non-woven fabric coverall (including rubber gloves) as protective measures, applicators’ main exposure site was the face (including neck). In order to reduce farmers’ exposure risk in chlorothalonil application, it is essential to strengthen the protective clothing and the protection of the face (including neck) which is exposed to the outside, and improve farmers’ knowledge in occupational safety and self-protection consciousness. The results of this study contribute useful information for risk mitigation and management and epidemiological studies in China.

Effects of different protective measures on body exposure levels of chlorothalonil applicators in cucumber greenhouses

254th National Meeting (2017)

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