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Assessing exposure to pesticides was discussed. The discussion focused on unavoidable exposures associated with intentional use of pesticides. The elements of a risk assessment paradigm developed by the National Research Council applicable for evaluating risks from intentional pesticide use were summarized. Assessing exposures for pesticide mixers, loaders, and applicators was discussed. Workers who handle, mix, or load pesticides have the highest exposure potential, although they are the group that usually utilizes the highest degree of protection. This group was one of the first occupational groups monitored for pesticide exposures starting in the 1950s. Over the years the emphasis in exposure assessments for this group has evolved from establishing a safe workplace to estimating absorbed daily doses. The Pesticide Handlers Exposure Database (PHED) was developed to standardize exposure estimates and to provide a statistical data set from individual studies. A fully computerized PHED system could be used to develop quantitative measurements from subsets of data representing variousformulations and use scenarios. Evaluating pesticide exposures of harvesters and other field workers who come into contact with treated foliage was discussed. The major emphasis in this group of workers is evaluating the risk from dermal absorption. This group may need specified reentry intervals to minimize contact with treated surfaces. Specific information needed to assess exposure in this group include type of work task, dislodgeable foliar residues, and duration of exposure. Procedures for assessing turf and indoor pesticide exposures were summarized.
Toxicology Letters, 82/83:65-72, 1995. (26 references)
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