Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 94-0353-2629, USDA Plant Inspection andQuarantine Station, Miami, Florida

摘要

In response to a request from the US Department of Agriculture Plant Inspectionand Quarantine Service, the potential for worker exposure to pesticides during inspections of imported plants was evaluated. The primary concern of the workers was handling plants that may have been treated with pesticides prior to export. Foliage sampling was performed by collecting leaf tissue using a leaf punch, and wipe samples of leaves. Skin exposures were also assessed using cotton glove monitors worn by workers. The dislodgeable residue samples were analyzed for 58 pesticides using several analytical techniques. During the first site visit, five different pesticde residues were detected on five gauze and five leaf punch samples. The most commonly detected pesticides were benomyl (17804352) and aldicarb (116063). During the second site visit 21 different insecticides and fungicides were identified. Captan (133062) was found more than any other compound. Most of the pesticides detected were of high toxicity. The use of protective gloves was not uniform among the workers. The author concludes that plant inspectors were at risk for skin exposure to pesticides during the handling of plants. The author recommends measures for reducing potential exposures.