Abstract |
In studies of potential exposure of a volunteer working under controlled conditions during apple hand-thinning operations at 1, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, and 240 hr after application of conventional 0.03% parathion spray both dermal and respiratory exposure values were greater where water-wettable powder formulations were used than where emulsifiables were used. Residue levels of parathion on leaves from the two types of applications were about the same. Only trace amounts of paraoxon could be detected at one and seven days after application. Highest exposure values (14.2 mg/hr dermally and 0.15 mg/hr respiratorily) were obtained within 24 hr of application. Exposure was considerably less after residues were 72 hr old. Greatest exposure was on the forearms and hands. Potential exposure values indicate that absorption could reach hazardous levels after one or two hr of work, even at the 96-hr residue period, if all the pesticide were absorbed. Considering that only a small fraction of the total amount would be absorbed, it is calculated that at 72-hr residue period poisoning should not occur. |