Progress in pesticide exposure studies and future concerns

Abstract

A campaign to educate the public regarding the merits of pesticides is necessary if we are to overcome the widespread poor image of pesticides that exists in society today. A comparison of biological monitoring and measurements of pesticide deposition on patches suggests that since only the absorbed dose has any potential for adverse health effects if forced to choose one technique over the other, more emphasis should be placed on biological monitoring. Controlled human pesticide exposure and dermal absorption studies establishing pharmacokinetic data are necessary if scientists and regulatory officials are expected to make knowledgeable worker safety recommendations pertaining to the pesticides being used today. Worker exposure can continue beyond the application day if pesticide-contaminated boots or gloves are used later. Excretion rate of 2,4-D in human urine was not affected by the presence of picloram in the application mixture. Margins of safety guidelines are highly dependent on adoption of appropriate no observed effect levels (NOEL).