Endotoxin exposure and atopic sensitization in adult pig farmers

Background: Recent studies have reported a low prevalence of atopic sensitization and respiratory allergy in children growing up on farms. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the dose-response relationship between endotoxin and atopic sensitization in adult farmers and to assess the effect on respiratory health outcomes. Methods: Data on endotoxin...

Neurological symptoms among Sri Lankan farmers occupationally exposed to acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides

Background: In many agricultural districts in Sri Lanka, pesticide poisoning is a leading cause of death. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pesticide use on Sri Lankan farmers' health. Methods: A total of 260 subjects were surveyed in both a low and a high exposure period. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured and data on symptoms...

Exposure to fungicides in fruit growing: Re-entry time as a predictor for dermal exposure

As part of a European Concerted Action on Male Reproduction Capability an exposure assessment survey was conducted among seasonal workers in the fruit growing sector in the Netherlands. Dermal exposure to the fungicides captan and tolylfluanid was measured using cotton gloves (12 persons) and skin pads on several body parts (12 persons). In...

Reduction of campylobacter infections in broiler flocks by application of hygiene measures

Transmission routes of Campylobacter spp. in broilers and possibilities for prevention of infections were studied on two Dutch broiler farms. The occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was studied in successive broiler flocks, in the environment of the farms and in some of the parent flocks involved. Isolates of Campylobacter spp. were typed by using...

Implementation and evaluation of the fluorescent tracer technique in greenhouse exposure studies

Knowledge of the level of exposure is important for health risk estimation and risk management. Recently, the occurrence of dermal exposure in many situations has been recognized and estimated to be relevant for worker health. Dermal exposure measurement techniques are therefore needed and several approaches have been taken to assess this type...

Predictive exposure modelling for pesticide registration purposes

The health risk to the agricultural worker using pesticides is important for registration procedures since during mixing, loading and application he or she handles undiluted as well as diluted pesticide formulations. Furthermore, exposure may occur during daily activities in the crop (e.g. harvesting). Possible exposure may reach levels that...

Pesticides in the cultivation of carnations in greenhouses: Part II - Relationship between foliar residues and exposures

The relationship between the levels of dermal and respiratory exposure to pesticides and the amount of pesticide on the leaves of the plants has been studied during cutting of carnations in greenhouses. The study was focused on four pesticides and performed in 18 farms in the Netherlands. Dermal exposure measured by using long-sleeved cotton...

Assessment of dermal and inhalation exposure to zineb/maneb in the cultivation of flower bulbs

In bulb farming the use of pesticides for crop protection and bulb disinfection is extensive. To estimate long-term occupational exposure to pesticides, generic levels of exposure specific to the method of working were needed. In order to derive these values, dermal and inhalation exposure was the fungicide mixture zineb/maneb was assessed for...

Risk assessment of dermal exposure of greenhouse workers to pesticides after re-entry

On 18 farms for rose culture in greenhouses in The Netherlands, dermal exposure of hands and forearms to abamectin (avermectin B1), dodemorph (4- cyclododecyl-2,6-dimethylmorpholinium acetate) and bupirimate (5-butyl-2- (ethylamino)-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl dimethylsulphate) was measured during crop activities. Dermal exposure during cutting (75...

Estimating worker exposure for pesticide registration

Pesticides in the cultivation of carnations in greenhouses: Part I - Exposure and concomitant health risk

Respiratory exposure and dermal exposure of the hands and forearms to the pesticides chlorothalonil, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, and zineb during application and during crop activities have been measured on 18 farms for carnation culture in glass-covered greenhouses in the Netherlands. Farms were selected according to a 'worst case' strategy...

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of occupational exposure to the pesticide abamectin

As part of a survey of occupational exposure to pesticides in greenhouses for growing ornamentals, analytical methods were developed and validated for the measurement of exposure of workers to the pesticide abamectin. Abamectin consists of a mixture of avermectin-B1a and avermectin-B1b, which are members of a class of fermentation products of...