Applying patch method and investigating dermal exposure levels on pesticides applicators

Purpose: The patch method can be used to evaluate the exposure of pesticides. The levels of pesticide exposure differ in some conditions. The levels of pesticide amounts are important to determine applicators under the risk, prospectively determine the health effects and management the risks. The aim of the study was to determine the level of pesticide exposure among pesticide applicators in citrus orchards and the factors affecting it. Materials and method: This is a cross-sectional study. 34 applicators were randomly included in the study. At the beginning of the working day, 5 patches attached to each applicator' s skin and clothes. Class 1 filter paper was used as patch. 5 Anatomical regions were arms, legs, and trunk. Forensic toxicology laboratory results were evaluated by using risk index. The Agricultural Health Study (AHS) and The Prospective Investigation of Pesticide Applicators' Health (PIPAH) Study questionnaires were applied to applicators. The determinants of the exposure levels were evaluated by using the Pearson correlation test, students t-test, and Mann Whitney. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were11 different pesticides on the applicators. High levels of exposure to chlorpyrifos were observed. There was also a moderate risk of abamectin, buprofezin, difenoconazole, and pyriproxyfen. Mixers/applicators, cleaners/repairers/applicators, handlers for grapefruit, applicators filling the tank much more and subcontractors were exposed higher. The level of personal protective equipment was considered PPE-0 in 97.2% of the applicators. The whole body coverall was three times more protective than a casual dress. Conclusion: Pesticide applicators in the region may be at risk for possible health effects of chlorpyrifos, abamectin, buprofezin, and difenoconazole. Employers should be more careful when they employ subcontracted workers. All applicators need to be informed about personal protective equipment. Grapefruit spraying and manual spraying carry more risks. The employers; make sure the equipment is working properly before applying. Keywords: Pesticide exposures, Biomonitoring, Citrus gardens