Occupational exposure of herbicide applicators to herbicides used along electric power transmission line right-of-way

Abstract

Occupational exposures to herbicides were measured among 12 applicators in 1979 and 24 applicators in 1980, who were applying the three herbicides, 2,4-D, dichloroprop and picloram to electric power transmission rights of ways. In 1979 only urine was analyzed but in 1980 both breathing-zone air samples and urine were analyzed for herbicide residues. Dermal absorption was found to be the major absorption route being up to 50 times greater than exposure by the inhalation route when using a hand gun sprayer. Even with the mist blower herbicide application method, dermal absorption was 4 and 11 times greater than exposure by the inhalation route. Worker education on hazards of skin contact and improved protective equipment significantly reduced the 1980 urine concentrations of herbicide residues. A model is presented to relate the urinary concentrations to equivalent daily exposure levels.