Occupational Factors Related to Exposure to Organophospate Pesticides among Floricultural Workers

Objective: To evaluate occupational characteristics affecting urinary concentration of Dialkylphosphate (DAP) organophosphate metabolites among a group of Mexican floricultural workers. Methods: Information was obtained from 117 Mexican floricultural workers. A questionnaire was applied to get information on occupational characteristics: specific activities, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) usage and place of work (greenhouse or outdoor). According to the activities performed and to the type of production methods, three ‘a priori’ worker categories were constructed: High exposure: field workers using traditional production methods (involving pesticides use) and handling pesticides directly (applicators, mixers and workers in charge of application equipment). Medium exposure: field workers using traditional production methods but not handling pesticides directly (weeding, harvesting, watering, fertilizing, cutting). Low exposure: administrative workers and field workers using organic production methods....