Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ing consequences. Still other compounds in Category I could cause severe
damage to the eyes or skin. Compounds in Category II are less toxic, i.e.,
higher doses are required to cause the same type of effects as relatively smaller
doses of Category I compounds. Category II compounds are generally de-
scribed as moderately toxic. Category III are considered slightly toxic and
Category IV are considered relatively nontoxic.
The acute toxicity category of the pesticide is an important factor for the
level of PPE that is required. Consideration must also be given to providing
PPE for pesticides that may have delayed adverse effects. For a given pesticide
handling activity, a higher level of protection would be required for a more
highly toxic compound. The mode of action of the pesticide also influences
the level of protection. For example, compounds that are severely corrosive to
the eyes would require particular attention to the selection and use of eye pro-
tection. Compounds that are readily absorbed through the skin or are highly
corrosive to the skin would require specific attention to body protection, par-
ticularly for the hands. In addition to providing dermal protection, glove use
is important for compounds that have high oral toxicities since there is the
possibility that pesticide handlers might put food or tobacco (chewing or
smoking) into their mouths before thoroughly washing their hands.
3.
Exposure Scenarios
As outlined below, many factors combine to define the exposure scenario.
In turn, the scenario combined with the toxicity of the pesticide determines the
level of protection that should be used.
a.
Pesticide Form
From the perspective of defining the type of PPE that might be required,
pesticides may be conveniently divided into four categories:
-
solids with little or no solubility in water
-
solids with high solubility in water
-
aqueous liquids and suspensions that contain no organic solvents
-
liquids and suspensions that contain organic solvents.
Common woven and nonwoven fabrics with sufficiently small pore sizes
would be expected to provide a reasonable level of protection from solids.
There is concern, however, that perspiration could dissolve water-soluble sol-
ids present on the outside of the fabric and that the perspiration-wet fabric
would provide a route for the pesticide to contact the skin. For aqueous liquids
