Human Exposure to an Organophosphate Pesticide  During Spraying � an Experimental Model

Maria-Elisabeta Lovász; Irina Dumitraşcu; Eugen Stelian Gurzău

Volume : IV, Issue : II, February - 2014

Human Exposure to an Organophosphate Pesticide During Spraying � an Experimental Model

Maria Elisabeta Lov Sz, Irina Dumitra Cu, Eugen Stelian Gurz U

Abstract :

This study assessed the human exposure to chlorpyrifos-methyl (organophosphate pesticide) in experimental conditions. We conducted the study on an uncultivated field by measuring pesticide’s concentrations at adult’s and children’s respiratory level, during a spraying session. Also the daily intakes in humans were calculated. The data obtained showed that pesticide dispersion dependent on wind speed leads to the loss of a significant amount of substance, which may pose health hazards at least equal or greater for the population outside the spraying area, in comparison to the people directly exposed. The daily intakes calculated for the similar concentrations of the pesticide were higher in children compared to adults and for males compared to females. For both children and adults, the daily intakes of chlorpyrifos-methyl calculated in our experiment model were lower than ADI. The weather conditions, such as wind speed, humidity and temperature should be considered in spraying timing.