Pesticide exposure to greenhouse foggers

Abstract The exposure of pesticide applicators in a commercial greenhouse facility was assessed. Data were collected from three subjects who applied fluvalinate, chlorpyrifos, and ethazol with a fogging device. Potential exposure was measured with exposure pads placed outside all clothing of the applicator. Handwashes and air samples were also collected, as were pre- and post-exposure tank mixture samples. Pesticide penetration was measured with exposure pads placed inside protective clothing. When all exposure assessments were normalized for spray rate, it was determined that applicators were at significantly greater potential dermal risk (excluding hands) from fluvalinate. Exposure to outside pads was primarily (75%) on the extremities of the applicators. Ethazol penetrated Tyvek® coveralls the most. Tank mixture analyses suggested that the wettable powder formulations were not well-mixed.